Can Beggars Pizza require the franchisee to have references or webpages within the franchisor's website?
Beggars_Pizza Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
However, Franchisor may require that Franchisee have one or more references or webpages as designated and approved in advance by Franchisor within Franchisor's principal Website (currently, www.beggarspizza.com) (the "Franchisor's Website").
The term "Website" means an interactive electronic document contained in a network of computers linked by communications software, commonly referred to as the Internet including, without limitation, any account, page, or other presence on a social or business networking media site, such as Meta, Twitter, LinkedIn, and on-line blogs and forums (collectively, "Networking Media Sites").
Franchisor may require that Franchisee not have any Website other than the webpages made available on Franchisor's Website.
However, if Franchisor approves a separate Website for Franchisee (which Franchisor is not obligated to approve and which approval, if granted, may later be revoked by Franchisor), then each of the following provisions will apply:
8.8.1 Franchisee specifically acknowledges and agrees that any Website owned, established, or maintained by or for the benefit of Franchisee will be deemed "advertising" under the Agreement and will be subject to, among other things, Franchisor's prior review and approval;
8.8.2 Before establishing any Website, Franchisee must submit to Franchisor, for Franchisor's prior written approval, a sample of the proposed Website domain name, format, visible content (including, without limitation, proposed screen shots), and non-visible content (including, without limitation, metatags) in the form and manner Franchisor may reasonably require;
8.8.3 If approved, Franchisee will not materially modify such Website without Franchisor's prior written approval as to such proposed modification;
8.8.4 Franchisee must comply with the standards and specifications for Websites that Franchisor may periodically prescribe in the Manual or otherwise in writing;
8.8.5 If required by Franchisor, Franchisee must establish such hyperlinks to Franchisor's Website and other Websites as Franchisor may request in writing;
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 39)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Beggars Pizza's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Beggars Pizza may require franchisees to have one or more references or webpages within the franchisor's principal website, which is currently www.beggarspizza.com. The FDD defines "Website" broadly to include any online presence, including social media.
Beggars Pizza can also mandate that franchisees not operate any website other than the webpages provided on the franchisor's website. However, if Beggars Pizza approves a separate website for the franchisee, which it is not obligated to do and can later revoke, the franchisee must adhere to several conditions. These include submitting the proposed website for Beggars Pizza's prior written approval, complying with Beggars Pizza's website standards, and establishing hyperlinks to Beggars Pizza's website if required.
These stipulations give Beggars Pizza significant control over the franchisee's online presence and advertising. A prospective franchisee should consider the potential limitations and costs associated with these requirements, including the need for franchisor approval and adherence to specific standards. It would be prudent to discuss these website and advertising requirements in detail with Beggars Pizza during the due diligence process to fully understand the implications.