What is the deadline for a Bft developer to notify the franchisor of the need for a development period extension?
Bft Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Notwithstanding anything contained in this Section, Franchisor will provide Developer with a onetime reasonable extension of time not to exceed 90 days to comply with its development obligations in any one of the Development Period as set forth in the Development Schedule (see Exhibit A), provided: (i) Developer has already executed a lease for, or otherwise obtained, a Site (defined in Section 2.D below) that Franchisor approves for any Studio(s) it is required to conduct its Soft Opening and operate during that Development Period; and (ii) Developer notifies Franchisor of its need for such an extension no less than 30 days prior to expiration of that Development Period. The Parties agree and acknowledge that Franchisor's grant of this one-time extension under this Section will not extend, modify or otherwise affect the expiration of any of Developer's subsequent Development Periods or subsequent development obligations.
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 developer seeking an extension to their development period must notify Bft no less than 30 days before the expiration of that development period. This extension is a one-time opportunity and cannot exceed 90 days.
To qualify for this extension, the developer must have already secured a site, through either a lease or other means, that Bft approves for the studio they are required to open and operate during the development period in question. This condition ensures that the developer has made tangible progress towards fulfilling their development obligations before requesting additional time.
It's important to note that this one-time extension, if granted by Bft, does not alter or extend any subsequent development periods or obligations outlined in the development schedule. This means the developer must still adhere to the original timeline for all future studio openings, regardless of the extension granted for a previous period. This policy ensures that any delays are limited and do not cascade through the entire development agreement.