Is Beggars Pizza responsible for software updates that are incompatible with a franchisee's existing computer hardware or operating system?
Beggars_Pizza Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Software Updates: The SpeedLine Software is continually being developed. These new developments may include additional or revised features and patches and are made available through a Software update. SpeedLine does not guarantee or warrant any particular schedule for these updates. Customers with Standard Support or Second-Level Support agreements will receive access
to these updates for any licensed Software module as part of their support plan at no additional charge. Customers with Per Incident Support may receive the license for and copy of a Software update at the current Software update price, which is subject to change from time to time. In addition, customers on Per Incident Support may be required from time to time to acquire a Software update in order to continue using the Software. Updates, whether paid or entitlement, do not necessarily include the technical services or training that may be required to implement the update on the Customer's computer system or for conversion of the Customer's data. SpeedLine makes no guarantee that the Software update will be compatible with the Customer's existing computer hardware or computer operating system. Updates may require the Customer to upgrade its existing computer operating system software or computer hardware or supporting facilities at the Customer's location. Similarly, in some circumstances, the Customer may be required to update its SpeedLine Software in order to use another product or service desired by the Customer. This Agreement does not allow the Customer to acquire Software updates for modules for which it does not have a valid current SpeedLine Software License Agreement or SpeedDine Online Ordering System Subscription Agreement (as applicable). Updates provided to the Customer will be part of the Software and will be governed by and be part of the SpeedLine Software License Agreement or SpeedDine Online Ordering System Subscription Agreement (as applicable).
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 39–192)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 FDD, Beggars Pizza utilizes SpeedLine software, and SpeedLine does not guarantee that software updates will be compatible with a franchisee's existing computer hardware or operating system. The FDD states that updates may require the franchisee to upgrade their existing computer operating system software, computer hardware, or supporting facilities at their location. This means that a Beggars Pizza franchisee may be responsible for costs associated with upgrading their systems to ensure compatibility with SpeedLine software updates.
This lack of guarantee regarding software compatibility places a potential financial burden on the franchisee. If an update is released that is incompatible with their current system, they will need to pay for the necessary upgrades to continue using the software. This is a fairly common practice in the franchise industry, where franchisees are often responsible for maintaining their technology to meet the franchisor's standards.
Furthermore, the FDD clarifies that updates do not necessarily include the technical services or training that may be required to implement the update on the franchisee's computer system or for the conversion of the franchisee's data. This means that in addition to the cost of hardware or software upgrades, a Beggars Pizza franchisee may also need to pay for technical support and training to implement the updates. Prospective franchisees should factor in these potential costs when evaluating the overall investment required to operate a Beggars Pizza franchise.
It is important for a prospective Beggars Pizza franchisee to discuss the typical frequency and scope of SpeedLine software updates with the franchisor, as well as the potential costs associated with maintaining compatibility. Understanding these factors will help the franchisee budget appropriately and avoid unexpected expenses.