Can Beard Papas unilaterally change the manuals?
Beard_Papas Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| r. | Non-competition covenants after the franchise is terminated or expires | 6, 17.E. | No involvement, ownership, or interest whatsoever for 24 months in any competing business in: your Designated Territory; a 25-mile radius of your Designated Territory; a 10-mile radius of the Designated Territory of any other Shop; and you must comply with confidentiality, non disclosure and non-solicitation covenants. |
|---|---|---|---|
| s. | Modification of the agreement | 18.L. | Requires writing signed by you and us, except for unilateral |
| changes that we may make to the Manuals or our unilateral | |||
| reduction of the scope of a restrictive covenant that we may | |||
| make in our discretion. |
Source: Item 17 — RENEWAL, TERMINATION, TRANSFER AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION (FDD pages 43–51)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Beard Papas's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Beard Papas can make unilateral changes to the manuals. The franchise agreement between Beard Papas and the franchisee requires a written agreement signed by both parties to modify the agreement. However, an exception exists that allows Beard Papas to make changes to the manuals without the franchisee's signature.
This means that as a Beard Papas franchisee, you must adhere to any changes that Beard Papas makes to the manuals. These changes could affect how you operate your franchise, the products you sell, or the services you offer. It is important to stay informed of any changes to the manuals and to implement them promptly.
In addition to the ability to change the manuals, Beard Papas can also unilaterally reduce the scope of a restrictive covenant at their discretion. This could impact a franchisee's ability to operate a similar business after the franchise agreement expires or is terminated. Franchisees should be aware of these potential changes and how they might affect their business operations and future opportunities.