Does Better Blend require franchisees to purchase kitchen equipment from approved suppliers?

According to Better Blend's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to purchase kitchen equipment from approved suppliers. Specifically, all kitchen equipment must meet Better Blend's specifications and be purchased only from approved suppliers. Additionally, all food, supplements, beverage, packaging, and other inventory purchases must meet Better Blend's specifications and be purchased only from approved suppliers. Franchisees must also use a distributor that Better Blend approves.

Better Blend retains the right to require franchisees to purchase or lease all goods, services, supplies, fixtures, equipment, inventory, computer hardware and software, real estate, or comparable items related to establishing or operating their business either from Better Blend or its designee, or from suppliers approved by Better Blend, or according to Better Blend's specifications. Franchisees must comply with any changes Better Blend makes to these requirements in the future. If a franchisee wants to use a supplier that is not on Better Blend's list of approved suppliers, they must request approval in writing, which Better Blend has the sole discretion to approve or reject.

Better Blend may condition its approval of alternative suppliers on criteria such as evaluations of the supplier's capacity, quality, financial stability, reputation, and reliability; inspections; product testing, and performance reviews. These criteria for approving suppliers are not available to franchisees. Better Blend will provide written notification of the approval or disapproval of any supplier within 30 days after receipt of the request. Better Blend may grant approvals of new suppliers or revoke past approvals of suppliers on written notice or by updating their Manual.

Better Blend estimates that the required purchases and leases to establish the business are 70% to 90% of the total purchases and leases to establish the business. Similarly, the required purchases and leases of goods and services to operate the business are estimated to be 70% to 90% of the total purchases and leases of goods and services to operate the business. This high percentage underscores the importance of understanding and adhering to Better Blend's approved supplier list and specifications to manage costs and ensure compliance.