Can Bb.Q Chicken inspect a proposed supplier's facilities as part of the approval process?
Bb_Q_Chicken Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
7.4.2 If you desire to purchase, lease or use any products or other items from an unapproved supplier, you shall submit to us a written request for such approval, or shall request the supplier itself to do so. We reserve the right to require you or the supplier to reimburse our costs related to evaluation and testing. You shall not purchase or lease from any supplier until and unless such supplier has been approved in writing by us. We shall have the right to require that our representatives be permitted to inspect the proposed supplier's facilities, and that samples from the supplier be delivered, either to us or to an independent laboratory designated by us, for testing. We reserve the right, at our option, to re-inspect from time to time the facilities and products of any such approved supplier and to revoke our approval upon the
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 62–283)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Bb.Q Chicken Franchise Disclosure Document, Bb.Q Chicken reserves the right to inspect a proposed supplier's facilities. Specifically, if a franchisee wants to purchase or lease products from a supplier not already approved by Bb.Q Chicken, they must request approval from Bb.Q Chicken. Bb.Q Chicken can also require the supplier to seek approval themselves.
Bb.Q Chicken has the right to have its representatives inspect the supplier's facilities as part of the approval process. They can also require that samples from the supplier be delivered for testing, either to Bb.Q Chicken or to an independent laboratory that Bb.Q Chicken designates. Bb.Q Chicken also retains the right to re-inspect the facilities and products of any approved supplier periodically to ensure they continue to meet Bb.Q Chicken's standards. Approval can be revoked if a supplier fails to meet these standards.
This process ensures that all products used in Bb.Q Chicken franchises meet the franchisor's quality standards. However, the FDD states that Bb.Q Chicken is not required to approve any particular supplier, meaning a franchisee's preferred supplier might not be approved even if they meet the criteria. Franchisees may also be required to reimburse Bb.Q Chicken for the costs associated with the evaluation and testing of a proposed supplier.
This clause is fairly standard in franchising, as franchisors need to maintain quality control and protect their brand's reputation. It is important for prospective franchisees to understand that they may have limited flexibility in choosing suppliers and may incur costs related to supplier approval.