Is a Bft franchisee permitted to relocate their Studio without prior written approval?
Bft Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
on and we accept the proposed site, we will designate the Designated Territory around the Authorized Location within which you will have certain protected rights.
You will not be permitted to relocate your Studio without our prior written approval, which may be withheld in our discretion. You will be assessed a relocation fee of $5,000 at the time you submit the proposed location for your relocated Studio. Generally, we do not approve requests to relocate your Studio after a site selection has been made and you have opened for business unless (a) it is due to extreme or unusual events beyond your control, and (b) you are not in default of your Franchise Agreement. If we approve your r
Source: Item 12 — TERRITORY (FDD pages 50–54)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bft's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee is not permitted to relocate their studio without prior written approval from Bft. This approval may be withheld at Bft's discretion, giving Bft significant control over where a franchisee can operate.
Relocating a Bft studio requires the franchisee to submit a proposed location to Bft for approval and pay a relocation fee of $5,000 at the time of submission. This fee is non-refundable regardless of whether the relocation is approved.
Bft generally does not approve relocation requests after the studio has opened for business unless the relocation is due to extreme or unusual events beyond the franchisee's control and the franchisee is not in default of the Franchise Agreement. If Bft approves the relocation, it retains the right to approve the new site location under the same terms applied to the initial site selection. This means the franchisee must again meet Bft's site selection criteria, potentially incurring additional costs and delays.
This policy ensures that Bft maintains control over its brand's presence and market strategy, but it also places a significant burden on franchisees who may need to relocate due to unforeseen circumstances. Franchisees should carefully consider these restrictions and the associated costs before signing the Franchise Agreement.