What are 'Telephone Listings' considered to be in the Bb.Q Chicken franchise agreement?
Bb_Q_Chicken Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
2.2 Interest in Telephone Numbers and Listings. Franchisee has or will acquire during the term of the Franchise Agreement, certain right, title, and interest in and to those certain telephone numbers and regular, classified, internet page, and other telephone directory listings (collectively, the "Telephone Listings") related to the Franchised Business or the Marks.
7.9 Assignment of Numbers and Listings
You shall execute such forms and documents, including the Internet Advertising, Social Media, Software, and Telephone Listing Agreement contained in Attachment 6 hereof, to appoint Franchisor its true and lawful attorney-in-fact, with full power and authority, for the sole purpose of assigning to Franchisor, Franchisee's telephone numbers, listings, and passwords and administrator rights for all email and social media accounts used or created by Franchisee. Upon the expiration or termination of this Agreement, Franchisor may exercise its authority, pursuant to such documents, to obtain any and all of Franchisee's rights to the telephone numbers of the Franchised Business and all related telephone directory listings and other business listings, and all Internet listings, d
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 62–283)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bb.Q Chicken's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, 'Telephone Listings' are defined as the franchisee's rights to telephone numbers and directory listings related to the franchised business or the Bb.Q Chicken brand. This includes regular, classified, internet page, and other telephone directory listings. Bb.Q Chicken requires franchisees to grant them power of attorney to manage these listings. Upon termination or expiration of the franchise agreement, Bb.Q Chicken has the right to take over the franchisee's rights to these telephone numbers and listings.
This means that while a franchisee operates a Bb.Q Chicken location, they will likely establish phone numbers and directory listings to attract customers. However, the franchise agreement stipulates that Bb.Q Chicken retains control over these assets. This is a fairly common practice in franchising, as it allows the franchisor to maintain brand consistency and control over marketing efforts. It also ensures that upon termination of the agreement, the franchisor can seamlessly transfer the phone numbers and listings to a new franchisee or company-owned store.
For a prospective franchisee, this has several implications. First, they need to understand that the phone numbers and listings they establish for their Bb.Q Chicken location are not fully owned by them. Second, they should ensure they understand the process for transferring these assets to Bb.Q Chicken upon termination of the agreement. Finally, they should factor in the potential loss of these assets when evaluating the overall profitability and long-term value of the franchise.