Is a Benihana franchisee allowed to use furniture not approved by BNC at the restaurant?
Benihana Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
(n) Franchisee fails to use at the Restaurant any furniture, fixtures, equipment, or signage required by BNC to be used at the Restaurant.
(o) Franchisee uses at the Restaurant any furniture, fixtures, equipment, or signage not approved by BNC for use at the Restaurant.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 73–74)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Benihana's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are not allowed to use furniture that has not been approved by Benihana at the restaurant. Benihana has the right to determine the standards for the restaurant, and the franchisee must operate the restaurant in accordance with those standards.
Specifically, the franchisee must use the furniture required by Benihana and is prohibited from using any furniture not approved by Benihana. If a franchisee fails to use approved furniture, this constitutes a breach of the franchise agreement.
This requirement ensures uniformity and consistency across all Benihana locations, maintaining the brand's image and standards. Franchisees need to seek approval for any furniture they wish to use that is not already part of the approved list to avoid violating the franchise agreement.