From whom should a Bft franchisee obtain standard plans and/or specifications?
Bft Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
After Franchisee has executed an accepted lease for the Authorized Location, Franchisor shall deliver to Franchisee specifications and standards for building, equipment, furnishings, fixtures, layout, design and signs relating to the Authorized Location and shall provide reasonable consultation in connection with the development of the Studio. Franchisee's architect is responsible for proposing changes to the layout, design and construction specifications provided by Franchisor as necessary to meet applicable legal requirements and to adapt for unique physical characteristics of the Authorized Location, but Franchisee agrees that no such changes, alterations or modifications whatsoever to Franchisor's selected layout and design specifications will be implemented without Franchisor's prior written consent.
Within 60 days after receiving written notice from Franchisor, Franchisee shall have plans prepared according to the standards and specifications that Franchisor prescribes, and Franchisee must submit those plans to Franchisor for its approval.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 79–265)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bft's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee must adhere to the System Standards when laying out, designing, constructing, or improving their studio. To ensure compliance, the franchisee should obtain the necessary specifications and standards from Bft itself. After the franchisee has an accepted lease, Bft will deliver the specifications and standards for building, equipment, furnishings, layout, design, and signs.
While the franchisee's architect can propose changes to the layout, design, and construction specifications to meet legal requirements or adapt to the location's physical characteristics, these changes require Bft's prior written consent. This ensures that the studio maintains a consistent brand image and operational standard. Franchisees are also obligated to prepare plans according to Bft's standards and specifications when requested to modernize or remodel their studio, submitting these plans to Bft for approval within 60 days of receiving notice.
These stipulations are typical in franchising, as they allow Bft to maintain uniformity across all locations, protecting the brand's reputation and ensuring a consistent customer experience. Franchisees should be aware of these requirements and factor in the potential costs and time associated with obtaining approvals and adhering to Bft's standards when planning their studio setup or any subsequent modifications or modernizations.