Who are considered 'Internet and Software Companies' in the Bb.Q Chicken franchise agreement?
Bb_Q_Chicken Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ARTICLE 20
TECHNOLOGY
20.1 Computer Systems and Software
The following terms and conditions shall apply with respect to your computer system:
- 20.1.1 We shall have the right to specify or require that certain brands, types, makes, and/or models of communications, computer systems, and hardware to be used by, between, or among bb.q Chicken Franchised Businesses, including without limitation: (a) back office and point-of-sale systems, data, audio, video, and voice storage, retrieval, and transmission systems for use at bb.q Chicken Franchised Businesses, between or among Franchised Businesses, and between and among your Franchised Business and us and/or you; (b) Point-of-Sale Systems; (c) physical, electronic, and other security systems; (d) printers and other peripheral devices; (e) archival back-up systems; and (f) internet access mode and speed (collectively, the "Computer System").
- 20.1.2 We shall have the right, but not the obligation, to develop or have developed for us, or to designate: (a) computer software programs and accounting system software that you must use in connection with the Computer System ("Required Software"), which you shall install; (b) updates, supplements, modifications, or enhancements to the Required Software, which you shall install; (c) the tangible media upon which you shall record data; and (d) the database file structure of your Computer System.
- 20.1.3 You shall record all sales on computer-based point-of-sale systems approved by us or on such other types of systems as may be designated by us in the Manual or otherwise in writing ("Pointof-Sale Systems"), which shall be deemed part of your Computer System.
- 20.1.4 You shall make, from time to time, such upgrades and other changes to the Computer System and Required Software as we may request in writing (collectively, "Computer Upgrades").
- 20.1.5 You shall comply with all specifications issued by us with respect to the Computer System and the Required Software, and with respect to Computer Upgrades. You shall also afford us unimpeded access to your Computer System and Required Software as we may request, in the manner, form, and at the times requested by us.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 62–283)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
Based on the 2025 Bb.Q Chicken Franchise Disclosure Document, the agreement outlines the franchisee's responsibilities regarding internet advertising, social media, software, and telephone listings. While the document does not explicitly define or list specific 'Internet and Software Companies,' it emphasizes Bb.Q Chicken's right to specify required computer systems, hardware, and software programs that franchisees must use. This includes point-of-sale systems, data storage, and security systems.
The agreement grants Bb.Q Chicken the authority to designate the software and systems franchisees must use, as well as to mandate updates and changes. Bb.Q Chicken also retains the right to access the franchisee's computer systems and software for monitoring purposes. The franchisee is obligated to maintain internet access and electronic communication methods as specified by Bb.Q Chicken.
While the FDD does not name specific companies, it makes clear that Bb.Q Chicken has the right to choose the technology vendors and platforms that franchisees must utilize. A prospective franchisee should seek clarification from Bb.Q Chicken regarding approved or required vendors for software, internet services, and related technologies to understand potential costs and contractual obligations.