What are the Azal Coffee franchisee's obligations regarding the maintenance of the franchise location (Item 9) and how does this relate to the franchisor's right to inspect the premises (Item 6)?
Azal_Coffee Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
e that the provisions contained in this Addendum will be applicable to the Lease notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the Lease.
- 2. Use. The Premises must not be used for any purpose other than the operation of an Azal Coffee during the term of the Lease, including renewals.
- 3. Franchisor's Options. Landlord and Franchisee grant to Franchisor the exclusive right, exercisable at the option of Franchisor, to be assigned all right, title and interest of Franchisee in and to the Lease and the Premises:
- a. on the expiration or termination of the Franchise Agreement. Franchisor must give written notice of its intent to exercise this option within thirty (30) days of the event triggering the option;
- b. on the expiration or termination of the Lease or on Franchisee's loss of its rights of possession to the Premises, whether by Franchisee's default under the Lease or otherwise. Landlord shall provide Franchisor notice of default as provided under Section 9 and Section 10. Franchisor shall exercise its right to accept assignment of the Lease within such periods; and
- c. on Franchisees abandonment of the Premises. For this purpose, abandonment will be conclusively presumed if Franchisee fails to have the business open and fully operational for two (2) consecutive days.
On the giving of notice of exercise by Franchisor under this Section, the Lease, and all right, title and interest of Franchisee under the lease and to the Premises will be automatically, and without need of further instrument, assigned to Franchisor. If Franchisor does not give notice of exercise within the applicable time period, Franchisor will be deemed to have forfeited all its rights under this Section. Landlord and Franchisee agree to execute documents confirming this assignment in the form presented by Franchisor, including a short form of Lease suitable for recording.
4. Franchisor's Rights. Upon Franchisor's exercise of its option to accept assignment of the Lease, Franchisee shall remain liable for any amounts owing, or any other default occurring,
prior to the effective date of the assignment. Franchisor shall not be liable for any amounts owing by Franchisee and shall have no obligation to cure any default of franchisee before taking assignment of the Lease and possession of the Premises. Franchisor shall succeed to all of the Franchisee's rights, options, and obligations under the Lease commencing on the effective date of the assignment and shall have the right to transfer or assign the Lease to another Azal Coffee franchisee without the need to seek consent form Landlord. Franchisor's transfer to another Azal Coffee franchisee relieves Franchisor from any further liability under the Lease. The terms of this Addendum shall remain in full force and effect as to such franchisee-transferee.
- 5. Liability of Guarantors. The guaranty of any guarantors of the Lease will only apply to obligations arising during the initial term of the Lease.
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- Franchisor's Designated Architect and General Contractor. Franchisee is required to use Franchisor's designated architect and general contractor to design and construct the build-out of the Premises. Landlord agrees that Franchisor's designated architect and general contractor are approved to provide those services for the build-out at the Premises.
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- Franchisor Access. Landlord and Franchisee grant to Franchisor the right to enter the Premises to inspect and audit the Franchisee's business or to make any modifications necessary to protect the Franchisor trademarks.
- 8. Exclusivity. If the Premises are part of a strip mall, shopping center or similar location, Landlord will not lease any other space in the mall or center to any business that sells coffee beverages, coffee beans, coffee accessories, or similar food or baked goods for dine-in, carry-out, catering, or delivery.
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- Notice of Default and Right to Cure. Landlord must give Franchisor written notice of any breach by Franchisee under the Lease and Franchisor will have thirty (30) days from the date of that notice to cure that default on behalf of Franchisee before Landlord exercises any remedy it may have under the Lease.
10. Other Notices.
- (a) Landlord and Franchisee must give Franchisor 30 days prior written notice of: (i) the cancellation or termination of the Lease prior to the expiration date of the lease; (ii) an assignment or attempted assignment of the Lease by the Landlord or Franchisee;
What This Means (2024 FDD)
Based on the 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, Azal Coffee franchisees have specific obligations regarding the maintenance and use of their franchise location. The franchisee must operate the Azal Coffee business solely from the approved premises and ensure the location meets Azal Coffee's standards for appearance, layout, and décor. This obligation is reinforced by the landlord's agreement to ensure the property is used only for the Azal Coffee business and to notify the franchisor if the franchisee uses the real estate in any other manner, which would be considered a default. The size of the location may vary from approximately 1,500 to 3,500 square feet with seating for 30 to 100. An Azal Coffee franchise must be constructed to our specifications as to size, layout, color, scheme, décor, etc. An Azal Coffee franchise will typically be located in a metropolitan area or surrounding suburbs with proximity to high traffic areas.
Azal Coffee retains rights related to the franchise location, including the option to take over the lease under certain conditions. These conditions include the expiration or termination of the Franchise Agreement or the lease, or if the franchisee abandons the premises. Abandonment is presumed if the business is not fully operational for two consecutive days. If Azal Coffee exercises its option to take over the lease, the franchisee remains liable for any outstanding amounts or defaults that occurred before the assignment's effective date.
The FDD excerpts do not provide explicit details about the franchisor's inspection rights (Item 6) or the franchisee's specific maintenance obligations (Item 9). A prospective Azal Coffee franchisee should review the Franchise Agreement (Exhibit B) referenced in Item 1 to understand the full scope of their maintenance responsibilities and the franchisor's inspection rights. It would be prudent to ask Azal Coffee for clarification on the frequency and scope of inspections, as well as the specific maintenance standards expected.