Does Aw have sole discretion in granting Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant businesses and franchises outside of the Protected Area?

According to Aw's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Aw retains sole and exclusive discretion to grant Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant businesses and franchises outside of a franchisee's protected area. This means that Aw is not restricted from establishing additional franchises or businesses beyond the franchisee's defined territory.

This discretion allows Aw to strategically expand its brand presence without being limited by existing franchisees' territories. However, this could also mean that a new Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant could be opened near a franchisee's location, potentially impacting their business.

For a prospective franchisee, this highlights the importance of understanding the factors Aw considers when determining the boundaries of the protected area, such as population density and competition. While a minimum radius of three miles is guaranteed, the actual size can vary. It is also important to note Aw reserves the right to operate or franchise within limited use facilities (airports, shopping centers, etc.) even within a franchisee's protected area. Franchisees should carefully evaluate the potential for competition and market saturation when considering an Aw franchise.