Is a Bft franchisee required to make structural changes to their studio as part of the required updates and improvements?
Bft Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisee further understands that fitness equipment and other equipment wears out, breaks down, or becomes obsolete. Consequently, from time to time, as Franchisor requires, Franchisee must modernize and/or replace components of the Trade Dress and Studio's operating assets and equipment as may be necessary for the Studio to conform to the System Standards for new BFT Studios. Further, Franchisee will be required to thoroughly modernize or remodel the Studio, at Franchisee's cost, when requested by Franchisor, but no more than once every 5 years. This may include replacing fitness equipment and gear, and other updates and improvements. Franchisee acknowledges that this obligation could result in Franchisee making extensive structural changes to, and significantly remodeling and renovating the Studio, and Franchisee agrees to incur, without limitation, any capital expenditures required in order to comply with this obligation and Franchisor's requirements. 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. Franchisee agrees to complete all work according to the plans that Franchisor approves within the time period that Franchisor reasonably specifies and in accordance with this Agreement. Franchisor and its affiliates who own BFT Studios will hold themselves, and the Studios they operate (if any), to the same high standard and same frequency for replacement and renovation as is required of Franchisee.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 79–265)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bft's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees may be required to make structural changes to their studios as part of ongoing updates and improvements. Bft may require franchisees to modernize or remodel their studios, at the franchisee's expense, but no more than once every five years. These changes are required to keep the studios in line with the System Standards for new Bft studios. These updates may include replacing fitness equipment and gear.
As part of these changes, a Bft franchisee acknowledges that these obligations could result in them making extensive structural changes to, and significantly remodeling and renovating the studio. The franchisee agrees to incur any capital expenditures required to comply with Bft's requirements.
Within 60 days of receiving written notice from Bft, the franchisee must have plans prepared according to Bft's standards and specifications, and submit those plans for approval. The franchisee is responsible for completing all work according to the approved plans within the timeframe Bft specifies. Bft will hold its own studios to the same standards and frequency for replacement and renovation as required of franchisees.