What is considered a 'Non-Traditional Location' for a Bft studio?
Bft Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
A "Non-Traditional Location" is (a) any location that is situated within or as part of a larger venue or facility and, as a result, is likely to draw the predominance of its customers from those persons who are using or attending events in the larger venue or facility (for example, "big box" gyms and/or fitness facilities, cruise ships, military bases, shopping malls, airports, sports facilities and stadiums, industrial or office complexes, hotels, train stations and other transportation facilities, travel plazas, casinos, hospitals, theme parks, convention centers, colleges/universities, multi-unit residential properties, and other similar captive market locations**)**.
Source: Item 17 — RENEWAL, TERMINATION, TRANSFER AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION (FDD pages 57–66)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bft's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a "Non-Traditional Location" is defined as any location situated within a larger venue or facility. These locations are expected to draw the majority of their customers from individuals already using or attending events at the larger venue. This definition is important for developers as it affects where they can establish Bft studios, especially within their designated development areas.
Examples of Non-Traditional Locations for a Bft studio include venues such as "big box" gyms and/or fitness facilities, cruise ships, military bases, shopping malls, airports, sports facilities and stadiums, industrial or office complexes, hotels, train stations and other transportation facilities, travel plazas, casinos, hospitals, theme parks, convention centers, colleges/universities, and multi-unit residential properties. These locations share the characteristic of being part of a larger complex that provides a built-in customer base for the Bft studio.
Bft retains the right to operate or license studios in Non-Traditional Locations both inside and outside a developer's designated area. This means that even if a developer has exclusive rights to a specific geographic area, Bft can still establish studios in these types of locations, potentially creating competition within the developer's territory. This is a key consideration for prospective franchisees, as it highlights the limitations of their territorial exclusivity and the potential for Bft to operate studios in locations that might otherwise fall under their development rights.