Is there a guarantee that a Beef O Bradys franchisee's request for an alternative supplier will be approved?
Beef_O_Bradys Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
pecifications and standards in writing.
In addition, certain goods, ingredients, beverages, services, supplies, fixtures, equipment and inventory relating to the establishment and operation of your Family Sports Pub must be purchased from us or from suppliers we designate or approve in advance. If you wish to purchase such items from another supplier, you can make a written request to us. We are not able to provide you with any specific criteria we use in considering alternative suppliers; however, we may examine any factor we deem relevant, in our sole discretion, in making the determination, including but not limited to information obtained through inspection and testing of samples. The time frame for our evaluation of requests to approve suppliers will vary depending on numerous factors. Some of these include the type of product, location of the supplier, cooperation and extent of negotiation with the prospective supplier on the various supply terms and confidentiality and the extent of any testing and whether third parties are involved (such as testing services and distributors). We anticipate that the process will usually range from 30 to 60 days, but could take longer depending on the circumstances, many of which are beyond our control. You or the proposed supplier must pay the reasonable cost of any inspection and testing, which is likely to range from $50 to $3,000, depending on the product or service being tested
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES. (FDD pages 22–27)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Beef O Bradys's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are not guaranteed approval for alternative suppliers. While franchisees can submit a written request to purchase items from a supplier not already approved, Beef O Bradys retains sole discretion over the approval process. The FDD indicates that Beef O Bradys is not able to provide specific criteria used for evaluating alternative suppliers, but they may consider any factor they deem relevant.
The evaluation timeframe for a proposed supplier can vary significantly, typically ranging from 30 to 60 days, but potentially longer depending on factors such as the product type, supplier location, negotiation terms, confidentiality, and the extent of testing required. The franchisee or the proposed supplier is responsible for covering the costs associated with any inspections and testing, which could range from $50 to $3,000, depending on the product or service being evaluated.
Beef O Bradys's approval of an alternative supplier is not permanent and can be revoked at any time with written notice to the franchisee. This means that even if a franchisee gains approval for a new supplier, Beef O Bradys reserves the right to rescind that approval later. This policy gives Beef O Bradys significant control over the supply chain and ensures that franchisees adhere to their standards, but it also introduces uncertainty for franchisees who may seek to source products from alternative suppliers for cost or other reasons.