What is a franchisee's obligation regarding the condition and repair of their Better Blend business location?
Better_Blend Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
- 7.12 Maintenance, Repair, and Alterations. Franchisee shall at all times keep the Business in a neat and clean condition, perform all appropriate maintenance, and keep all of the property of the Business in good repair.
In addition, Franchisee shall promptly perform all work on the physical property of the Business as BBF may prescribe from time to time, including but not limited to periodic interior and exterior painting; resurfacing of the parking lot; roof repairs; and replacement of obsolete or worn-out signage, floor coverings, furnishings, equipment and décor.
If such work is reserved to Franchisee's landlord under the terms of Franchisee's lease, then Franchisee shall use reasonable efforts to cause its landlord to perform such work.
Franchisee acknowledges that the System Standards may include requirements for cleaning, maintenance, replacement, and repair.
Franchisee shall not alter or replace the equipment, fixtures, furniture, signs, décor, or other aspects of the interior or exterior of the Business except in compliance with all applicable System Standards or except with prior approval from BBF.
- 7.13 Remodeling. In addition to Franchisee's obligations to comply with all System Standards in effect from time to time, BBF may require Franchisee to undertake and complete a Remodel of the Location to BBF's satisfaction.
Franchisee must complete the Remodel in the time frame specified by BBF.
BBF may require Franchisee to submit plans for BBF's reasonable approval prior to commencing a required Remodel, and BBF may require Franchisee to engage a qualified licensed contractor to perform the Remodel.
BBF'sright to require a Remodel is limited as follows: (i) the Remodel will not be required in the first two or last two years of the term (except that a Remodel may be required as a condition to renewal of the term or a Transfer), and (ii) a Remodel will not be required more than once every five years from the date on which Franchisee was required to complete the prior Remodel.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 43)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to the 2024 Better Blend Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are responsible for maintaining their business location. Franchisees must keep the business in a neat and clean condition, perform necessary maintenance, and ensure all property of the business is in good repair. This includes interior and exterior painting, parking lot resurfacing, roof repairs, and replacing worn-out signage, floor coverings, furnishings, equipment, and décor.
Better Blend may also require franchisees to undertake and complete a remodel of the location to Better Blend's satisfaction. However, these remodels are limited; Better Blend will not require a remodel in the first two or last two years of the franchise term, and remodels cannot be required more than once every five years from the completion date of the prior remodel. Franchisees may need to submit plans for approval before starting any required remodel and may be required to hire a qualified, licensed contractor to perform the remodel.
If any of the maintenance or repair work is the landlord's responsibility under the lease terms, the franchisee must make reasonable efforts to ensure the landlord performs the required work. Franchisees must also adhere to all applicable System Standards related to cleaning, maintenance, replacement, and repair. Any alterations or replacements to the business's interior or exterior must comply with System Standards or receive prior approval from Better Blend.