What specifications and standards must a substitute premises comply with for an Aw franchise renewal?
Aw Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Subject to the provisions of Paragraph 3.2 below, and if you have substantially complied with all provisions of this Agreement and any other agreement between us, then on expiration of the initial term of the Franchise, you will have the right to renew the Franchise for one (1) additional successive term of ten (10) years if: (1) you maintain possession of the Premises, or (2) you are unable to maintain possession of the Premises or in our judgment the Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant should be relocated, and you secure an approved substitute premises and agree to expeditiously develop the substitute premises in compliance with specifications and standards then applicable under new or renewal franchises for Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurants.
You and your Owners must also comply with our then-current training requirements and attend such training classes as we deem necessary.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 39–40)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Aw's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee is unable to maintain possession of their current premises or Aw believes the restaurant should be relocated, the franchisee must secure an approved substitute premises. This new location must be developed in compliance with the specifications and standards that are applicable under new or renewal franchises for Aw restaurants at that time. The franchisee and their owners must also comply with Aw's then-current training requirements and attend any training classes that Aw deems necessary.
In simpler terms, if a franchisee needs to move locations to renew their franchise, the new location must meet all the current standards for a new or renewing Aw franchise. This includes the physical building and layout, as well as any updated training requirements for the franchisee and their team. This ensures that all Aw locations maintain a consistent brand image and operational standards.
This requirement is fairly standard in franchising, as franchisors want to ensure that all locations meet a certain standard to protect the brand. For a prospective Aw franchisee, this means being prepared to potentially invest in a new location that meets Aw's current specifications if their original location is no longer suitable for renewal. It also highlights the importance of staying up-to-date with Aw's training requirements to ensure compliance during the renewal process.