Can a Belocal franchisee operate their business from home?
Belocal Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You will operate your Franchised Business out of a facility you choose, which may be home based ("Office"). Unless we grant you a variance, your Office must be located within a radius of 50 miles from the perimeter of your Territory.
Source: Item 1 — THE FRANCHISOR AND ANY PARENTS, PREDECESSORS, AND AFFILIATES (FDD pages 8–12)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Belocal's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee can operate the business from home. The FDD states that the franchisee will operate their franchised business out of a facility of their choosing, which may be home-based.
However, Belocal requires that unless a variance is granted, the franchisee's office must be located within a 50-mile radius of the perimeter of their territory. This implies that while a home-based office is permissible, the franchisee must reside within a reasonable distance of the territory they are serving.
This flexibility to operate from home can significantly reduce overhead costs for a new Belocal franchisee, as it eliminates the need to rent or purchase a separate commercial space. However, franchisees should carefully consider whether a home office environment is suitable for their business needs, considering factors such as space for meetings, storage of materials, and potential distractions.