Is a Bft franchisee required to comply with the Learning Management System and System Standards, and can these standards be changed?
Bft Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- E. Franchisee agrees at all times to comply with the Learning Management System (as defined in Section 6.3 below), and all required standards, operating systems, and other aspects of the System prescribed by Franchisor (the "System Standards"), each of which is subject to change at Franchisor's discretion.
8. STUDIO IMAGE AND OPERATING STANDARDS
- 8.1 Compliance. Franchisee acknowledges and agrees that every detail regarding the appearance and operation of its Studio is important to Franchisor, Franchisee, the System and other owners and operators of BFT Studios in order to maintain high and uniform operating standards, to increase demand for the classes sold by all franchisees, and to protect Franchisor's and the System's reputation and goodwill, and, accordingly, Franchisee agrees to comply strictly at all times with the requirements of this Agreement and the System Standards (whether contained in the Learning Management System or any other written or oral communication to Franchisee by Franchisor) relating to the appearance or operation of the Studio.
Franchisee acknowledges that other BFT Studios may operate under different forms of agreement with Franchisor, and that the rights and obligations of the Parties to other agreements may differ from those hereunder.
- 6.3 Learning Management System. During the Term, Franchisor will grant Franchisee access to its confidential online learning management platform, which includes electronic versions of manuals and written policies and procedures related to the development and operation of BFT Studios (collectively, the "Learning Management System").
The Learning Management System is anticipated to codify then-current specifications, standards and operating procedures prescribed or suggested by Franchisor.
Franchisee acknowledges that Franchisor may from time to time revise its System Standards as well as the contents of the Learning Management System (including by written memoranda and notices issued to owners of BFT Studios), and Franchisee agrees to comply with each new or changed standard and specification upon notice from Franchisor.
Therefore, Franchisee must strictly follow the Social Media guidelines, code of conduct, and etiquette as set forth in the Learning Management System, which may require Franchisee to comply with Franchisor's then-current privacy policy.
If Franchisee, intentionally or otherwise through its gross negligence, compromises the secure access to the Learning Management System (or any printed copies of the contents thereto), including, but not limited to, allowing unauthorized users access to the Learning Management System and its confidential contents or intentionally posting any of the Confidential Information on the Internet, Franchisee acknowledges that it will be required to adequately compensate Franchisor for the breach and related damage to the Marks and System, and that any limitation of remedies provided in Sections 16.4 and 16.7 below shall not limit Franchisor's remedy or relief in the foregoing instance(s).
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 79–265)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bft's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must comply with both the Learning Management System and the System Standards. The Learning Management System is an online platform containing manuals, policies, and procedures for operating a Bft studio. System Standards encompass all required standards and operating systems prescribed by Bft. These standards are crucial for maintaining consistent operations and protecting the brand's reputation. Franchisees are expected to adhere to these standards at all times. Compliance extends to various aspects of the studio, including its appearance and operation. Franchisees must also follow social media guidelines outlined in the Learning Management System. This ensures that all online communications related to the studio are appropriate and align with Bft's brand image. Franchisees must also comply with the Learning Management System. If a franchisee compromises the secure access, they will be required to compensate Bft for the breach and related damage to the Marks and System.
Bft retains the right to revise both the System Standards and the contents of the Learning Management System. Franchisees are obligated to comply with any new or changed standards upon receiving notice from Bft. This allows Bft to adapt to changing market conditions and maintain consistency across all franchise locations. The Learning Management System remains Bft's property and is subject to confidentiality requirements. This means franchisees must treat the information within the system as confidential and protect it from unauthorized access.
This requirement ensures uniformity and quality across all Bft franchise locations. By adhering to the Learning Management System and System Standards, franchisees contribute to the overall brand consistency and customer experience. The ability of Bft to change these standards allows for necessary adaptations and improvements to the system over time. However, it also means franchisees must stay informed of any updates and be prepared to implement changes in their studio operations. Prospective franchisees should consider the implications of these requirements and the potential for ongoing changes when evaluating the Bft franchise opportunity.