Does the Bft Franchise Agreement grant franchisees the right to open additional studios beyond those specified in a Multi-Unit Agreement?

According to the 2025 Bft Franchise Disclosure Document, neither the Franchise Agreement nor the Multi-Unit Agreement provides franchisees with an explicit right or option to open and operate additional studios beyond what is specifically outlined in the Multi-Unit Agreement, if multi-unit development rights are granted. The FDD clarifies that each Bft studio a franchisee is authorized to open and operate must be governed by its own specific Franchise Agreement. This indicates that the rights to open additional locations are limited to the terms defined within the Multi-Unit Agreement.

This policy has significant implications for franchisees looking to expand their Bft business. If a franchisee wishes to open additional studios beyond the scope of their existing Multi-Unit Agreement, they would need to negotiate a new agreement with Bft. This lack of an automatic right to expand provides Bft with control over market development and the density of studios in a given area. It also means that franchisees cannot assume they can simply open more locations as they become successful; they must seek additional approval and potentially enter into new agreements.

In the franchise industry, it is not uncommon for franchisors to retain control over expansion and market development. This allows the franchisor to manage brand consistency, market saturation, and overall system growth. However, it is crucial for prospective Bft franchisees to understand this limitation and factor it into their long-term business plans. They should discuss expansion opportunities with Bft during their due diligence to understand the process and criteria for obtaining rights to open additional studios beyond the initial agreement.

Therefore, a prospective franchisee should directly discuss with Bft the conditions under which additional franchise locations may be granted beyond the scope of the initial Multi-Unit Agreement. Understanding Bft's long-term development plans and their willingness to allow existing franchisees to expand is a critical consideration for anyone considering a multi-unit franchise opportunity with Bft.