What constitutes a 'Non-Traditional Site' for a Bft studio location?
Bft Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
and (vi) open and operate, or license third parties the right to open or operate, Studios at "Non-Traditional Sites" both within and outside the Designated Territory and, if applicable, Development Area. "Non-Traditional Site" means 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 12 — TERRITORY (FDD pages 50–54)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bft's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a 'Non-Traditional Site' is defined as a location within a larger venue or facility that primarily attracts customers already present at that venue. This means the Bft studio's customer base is largely drawn from people using or attending events within the larger facility.
Examples of Non-Traditional Sites for a Bft studio include locations within "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". These locations are characterized by a built-in audience, potentially reducing the need for extensive external marketing efforts to attract initial customers.
Bft retains the right to open and operate studios at Non-Traditional Sites both within and outside a franchisee's Designated Territory or Development Area. This means that while a franchisee may have certain protected rights within their territory, Bft can still establish studios in these specific types of locations, even if they fall within that territory. This is an important consideration for prospective franchisees as it clarifies the scope of their territorial protection and the potential for competition from Bft itself in non-traditional venues.