Is failing to meet content deadlines for the Belocal Publication considered a curable default?
Belocal Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Except as provided in Sections 10.B. and 10.C. of this Agreement, upon any default by Franchisee which is capable of being cured, Franchisor may terminate this Agreement by giving Franchisee written notice of termination stating the nature of the default and the time period within which the default must be cured ("Cure Period").
Franchisee may avoid termination by immediately initiating a remedy to cure such default and curing it to Franchisor's satisfaction within the Cure Period (or any longer period that applicable law may require).
If any such default is not cured within the Cure Period, this Agreement shall terminate without further notice to Franchisee effective immediately upon the expiration of the Cure Period.
Unless included in the provision below, the Cure Period shall be specified in Franchisor's notice to Franchisee.
Defaults which are susceptible of cure hereunder may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- (1) Franchisee does not meet all content, review, approval, processing and other publication deadlines for the Publication, including but not limited to the deadline to provide approval(s) on or before the Franchisee's assigned Commission date, or such other date as Franchisor may specify from time to time;
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 71)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Belocal's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, failing to meet content deadlines for the Belocal Publication is considered a curable default. Specifically, if a franchisee does not meet all content, review, approval, processing, and other publication deadlines, including the deadline to provide approvals on or before the franchisee's assigned Commission date, it is classified as a default that can be cured.
When a curable default occurs, Belocal may issue a written notice of termination, specifying the nature of the default and the period within which it must be cured. The franchisee can avoid termination by promptly initiating corrective action and resolving the default to Belocal's satisfaction within the given cure period. If the default remains unresolved after the cure period, the franchise agreement will terminate without further notice.
This aspect of the franchise agreement is important for prospective franchisees to understand, as it highlights the importance of adhering to publication deadlines. While Belocal provides an opportunity to correct such failures, consistent lapses could lead to termination. Franchisees should ensure they have systems in place to manage content and meet deadlines to avoid potential defaults and maintain a good standing with Belocal.