What must an Azal Coffee franchisee ensure regarding their copy of the Brand Standards Manual?
Azal_Coffee Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
When provided to you, you must at all times ensure that your copy of the Brand Standards Manual is kept current and up to date. If there is a dispute as to the contents of the Brand Standards Manual, the terms and dates of the master copy of the Brand Standards Manual maintained by us at our place of business will be controlling.
Due to the nature of operation of the Franchise Business and the fact that the specifications for the Franchise Business may change, we reserve the right to change the Franchise Systems after the signing of this Agreement and to change the terms of the Brand Standards Manual after the signing of this Agreement to reflect those changes. You must comply with all changes immediately on receipt of written notice from us of the change. The Brand Standards Manual cannot change the terms of this Agreement but will be in addition to this Agreement and will have the same effect as if included in this Agreement. If the Brand Standards Manual is inconsistent with this Agreement, this Agreement will control. We agree to specify our policies and procedures in a reasonable manner.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 51)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Azal Coffee's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee must ensure their copy of the Brand Standards Manual is current and up to date at all times once it has been provided to them. The Brand Standards Manual contains the policies and procedures that Azal Coffee specifies for the franchise. These policies and procedures may be found in training, operating, and/or policy manuals, memos, bulletins, newsletters, emails, or other written or electronic materials prepared by Azal Coffee. Azal Coffee will provide a digital or paper copy or give online access to any currently existing Brand Standards Manual when and if prepared and made available to franchisees, including any applicable modifications or additions as they become available.
Azal Coffee retains ownership of the Brand Standards Manual, and franchisees must not duplicate it. Upon request, or at the expiration or termination of the Franchise Agreement, the Brand Standards Manual must be returned to Azal Coffee or destroyed immediately.
In the event of a dispute regarding the contents of the Brand Standards Manual, the terms and dates of the master copy maintained by Azal Coffee at its place of business will be controlling. Azal Coffee reserves the right to change the Franchise Systems and the terms of the Brand Standards Manual after the signing of the Franchise Agreement to reflect those changes, and franchisees must comply with all changes immediately upon receipt of written notice from Azal Coffee. The Brand Standards Manual cannot change the terms of the Franchise Agreement but will be in addition to the agreement and will have the same effect as if included in the agreement. If the Brand Standards Manual is inconsistent with the Franchise Agreement, the Franchise Agreement will control.