Can Beard Papas modify the Approved Services and Products?
Beard_Papas Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We license a system (the "System") for the development and operation of a Beard Papa's shop (each, a "Franchised Business" or "Shop") that serves a menu of fresh and natural cream puffs and a limited selection of other desserts and beverages, and other menu items for on-premises dining, carryout, catering, and delivery (the "Approved Services and Products"). The System includes Approved Services and Products that we currently designate and that we may modify, add to or discontinue from time to time, and our specifications, methods and procedures for the preparation, service, marketing and sale of Approved Services and Products by the Franchised Business. The System also features and requires, as designated by us, your exclusive use of certain food ingredients including raw, partially prepared and prepared seasonings, sauces, mixes, beverages, and food products used to prepare Approved Services and Products, supplies and equipment designated by us (collectively, the "System Supplies"). The System is presently identified by the Beard Papa's trademark, the Beard Papa's logo and other trademarks, service-marks, logotypes, and commercial symbols as we may designate, modify and adopt from time to time for use in the System and as same may or may not be registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (collectively referred to as the "Licensed Marks"). You must develop and operate your Shop in conformity with the requirements of our System, including the specifications, procedures, criteria and requirements that we designate in our confidential operations manual and other proprietary manuals that we may designate and, as we may supplement and modify from time to time (collectively, the "Manuals").
Source: Item 1 — THE FRANCHISOR AND ANY PARENTS, PREDECESSORS AND AFFILIATES (FDD pages 8–10)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Beard Papas's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Beard Papas retains the right to modify the Approved Services and Products offered at its franchise locations. The FDD specifies that the franchise licenses a system for operating a Beard Papa's shop, which includes a menu of cream puffs, desserts, beverages, and other items for on-premises dining, carryout, catering, and delivery. These items are referred to as the "Approved Services and Products."
The document explicitly states that the Approved Services and Products are those "that we currently designate and that we may modify, add to or discontinue from time to time." This means that Beard Papas has the authority to change the menu, introduce new items, or remove existing ones. As a franchisee, you are obligated to adhere to these changes.
This flexibility allows Beard Papas to adapt to changing consumer preferences, market trends, and supply chain conditions. However, it also means that franchisees must be prepared to adjust their operations and potentially invest in new equipment or training to accommodate these changes. Franchisees are also required to exclusively use certain food ingredients, supplies, and equipment designated by Beard Papas, further emphasizing the franchisor's control over the System.