Is a Bft franchisee required to file and publish a certificate of doing business?
Bft Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisee also agrees to file and publish, if required by Applicable Laws, a certificate of doing business (whether under a fictitious name or otherwise).
Franchisee acknowledges and agrees that it has the sole responsibility to investigate and comply with any Applicable Laws in the jurisdiction in which the Studio is located that relate to the ownership, development and operation of the Studio and businesses generally (including, for example, requirements related to accessibility, protection of personally identifiable information, and/or personal information, having staff during operating hours that are trained in certain life-saving procedures, and having certain life-saving and first aid equipment on premises, form and content of membership agreements, and other requirements that relate to gyms, fitness facilities, health spas, and similar businesses).
Franchisee agrees to immediately provide Franchisor with a copy of any notice received by Franchisee from any person or state, local or governmental agency pertaining to compliance with any Applicable Laws including any such notices that any audit, investigation, or similar proceeding by any such person or governmental authority is pending or threatened against Franchisee on the basis of any of any the foregoing.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 79–265)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bft's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee must file and publish a certificate of doing business if required by applicable laws. This includes doing business under a fictitious name or otherwise. It is the franchisee's responsibility to investigate and comply with all applicable laws in the jurisdiction where the studio is located. These laws pertain to the ownership, development, and operation of the studio and businesses in general.
Compliance areas include requirements related to accessibility, protection of personally identifiable information and personal information, having staff trained in life-saving procedures during operating hours, and having specific life-saving and first aid equipment on the premises. Further compliance is required for the form and content of membership agreements, and other requirements related to gyms, fitness facilities, health spas, and similar businesses.
The franchisee must provide Bft with a copy of any notice received from any person or state, local, or governmental agency pertaining to compliance with any applicable laws. This includes notices of any pending or threatened audit, investigation, or similar proceeding by any such person or governmental authority.