Under what condition are modifications to the Azal Coffee Franchise Agreement valid?

According to Azal Coffee's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, modifications to the Franchise Agreement are only valid if they are in writing. Section 20.11 of the Franchise Agreement covers this provision. However, Azal Coffee retains the right to unilaterally change specifications.

This means that any changes to the agreement must be formally documented and agreed upon in writing to be enforceable. This protects both the franchisee and Azal Coffee by ensuring that all modifications are clear and unambiguous. Franchisees should pay close attention to any proposed changes and seek legal counsel if needed to fully understand the implications.

However, it's important to note that Azal Coffee can change certain specifications without a written modification to the Franchise Agreement. While the FDD does not elaborate on what constitutes a 'specification,' franchisees should seek clarification from Azal Coffee regarding the scope of these changes and how they might affect their business operations. This is a fairly common clause in franchise agreements, as franchisors need the flexibility to update standards and procedures. Franchisees should ensure they understand the process for implementing such changes.