Is Belocal's approval required to use an operations manager?
Belocal Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
The Principal or operations manager named in Attachment E hereto must personally supervise and devote full-time attention to the dayto-day operations and management of the Franchised Business.
Franchisee must obtain Franchisor's approval to use an operations manager and must obtain Franchisor's acceptance of the specific person serving as the operations manager.
As applicable, the Principal must complete any training that Franchisor requires and execute the form of confidentiality, non-competition, and non-solicitation agreements that Franchisor requires.
The operations manager must complete any training that Franchisor requires, pass a background check, and execute the form of confidentiality and non-solicitation agreements that Franchisor requires.
Franchisee shall give Franchisor advance written notice of any change to its designated operations manager.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 71)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Belocal's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee chooses to employ an operations manager, they must first obtain Belocal's approval. This includes not only the decision to use an operations manager in general but also securing Belocal's acceptance of the specific individual who will fill that role.
Furthermore, the operations manager is required to complete any training that Belocal mandates. They must also pass a background check and sign confidentiality and non-solicitation agreements as required by Belocal. The franchisee is obligated to provide Belocal with advance written notice if there are any changes to the designated operations manager.
These stipulations ensure that Belocal maintains a degree of control over the management and operation of each franchise location, even when an operations manager is in place. By requiring approval and setting conditions such as training, background checks, and adherence to agreements, Belocal aims to protect its brand standards and confidential information. This is a fairly common practice in franchising, as franchisors typically want to ensure that anyone in a management role is properly vetted and trained to uphold the brand's reputation and operational standards.