Does the definition of 'Confidential Information' for Beyond Juicery Eatery include recipes?
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' explicitly includes recipes. The FDD specifies that 'Trade Secrets' encompass information in any form, including but not limited to materials, techniques, technical or non-technical data, formulas, patterns, compilations, recipes, programs, devices, methods, techniques, drawings, processes, financial data, financial plans, product plans, passwords, and lists of customers or suppliers. This information must be related to or used in the restaurant, not commonly known or available to the public, derive economic value from its secrecy, and be subject to reasonable efforts to maintain its secrecy.
For a prospective Beyond Juicery Eatery franchisee, this means that the recipes provided by the franchisor are considered highly confidential and proprietary. Franchisees are legally obligated to protect these recipes and prevent their unauthorized disclosure or use. This obligation extends not only during the term of the franchise agreement but also after its termination.
The inclusion of recipes within the definition of 'Trade Secrets' is a common practice in the franchise industry, particularly in the food and beverage sector. It ensures that the franchisor's unique culinary creations and processes remain exclusive to the franchise system, maintaining a competitive advantage. Franchisees must understand the importance of safeguarding this information, as any breach of confidentiality could result in legal action and significant financial penalties.