Does the definition of 'Confidential Information' for Beyond Juicery Eatery include the identity of suppliers?
Beyond_Juicery_Eatery Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Trade Secrets – information in any form (including, but not limited to, materials and techniques, technical or non-technical data, formulas, patterns, compilations, recipes, programs, devices, methods, techniques, drawings, processes, financial data, financial plans, product plans, passwords, lists of actual or potential customers or suppliers) related to or used in the Restaurant(s) that is not commonly known by or available to the public and that information: (i) derives economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known to, and not being readily ascertainable by proper means by, other persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use; and (ii) is the subject of efforts that are reasonable under the circumstances to maintain its secrecy.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 60–337)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Beyond Juicery Eatery's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the definition of 'Trade Secrets' includes lists of actual or potential suppliers. This means that Beyond Juicery Eatery considers its supplier information to be confidential and proprietary. Franchisees are obligated to maintain the confidentiality of this information, both during the term of the franchise agreement and after its termination.
As a Beyond Juicery Eatery franchisee, you must keep the identity of suppliers confidential and protect it as a trade secret. Disclosing this information to unauthorized parties could have legal and financial repercussions. This obligation extends not only to the franchisee but also to their principal owners, officers, directors, shareholders, partners, members, managers, and key employees, who may be required to sign nondisclosure and confidentiality agreements.
Protecting supplier information is a common practice in franchising, as it provides a competitive advantage to the franchisor. Franchisees benefit from this confidentiality because it helps maintain the integrity of the Beyond Juicery Eatery system and ensures consistent product quality and pricing. By keeping supplier information confidential, Beyond Juicery Eatery aims to maintain a strong and reliable supply chain, which is essential for the success of its franchisees.