Does Aw reserve the right to require franchisees to have financial statements prepared by an independent certified public accountant?

According to Aw's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Aw retains the right to mandate that franchisees have their financial statements prepared annually by an independent certified public accountant. This is in addition to the regular financial reporting Aw requires. Franchisees must submit weekly gross sales reports, monthly and year-to-date profit and loss statements and balance sheets, quarterly sales tax returns, and annual income tax returns.

This requirement, if enforced, would mean that Aw franchisees may need to engage and pay for the services of a certified public accountant to prepare their financial statements on an annual basis. This would add to the franchisee's operating costs.

While Aw has the right to request these audited financial statements, the FDD does not specify under what circumstances Aw would exercise this right. It is common practice for franchisors to reserve such rights to ensure financial accountability and compliance, especially if there are concerns about a franchisee's reporting practices or financial stability.