If Bb.Q Chicken revises the contents of the Manual, must the franchisee comply with the changes?
Bb_Q_Chicken Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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 14 — PATENTS, COPYRIGHTS AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION (FDD pages 46–47)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Bb.Q Chicken Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to comply with the specifications issued by Bb.Q Chicken with respect to the computer system and the required software, as well as with computer upgrades. This includes adhering to any changes Bb.Q Chicken makes to the manuals.
Bb.Q Chicken has the right to specify or require certain brands, types, makes, and models of communication, computer systems, and hardware to be used by franchisees. This includes back office and point-of-sale systems, data storage, security systems, printers, and internet access. Bb.Q Chicken can also designate computer software programs and accounting system software that franchisees must use, including updates and modifications.
Franchisees must record all sales on approved point-of-sale systems and make upgrades and changes to their computer systems and software as requested by Bb.Q Chicken. They must also provide Bb.Q Chicken with access to their computer systems and software as requested. This ensures that all Bb.Q Chicken locations operate with standardized technology and systems, allowing for better data collection, monitoring, and overall brand consistency.
Failure to comply with these technology requirements and manual updates could be considered a breach of the franchise agreement. Therefore, it is crucial for prospective franchisees to understand the potential costs and obligations associated with maintaining and updating their computer systems and software as directed by Bb.Q Chicken.