Does Bft generally own the premises that System franchisees use for their Studio?
Bft Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We may provide you with: (i) our current written site selection guidelines, to the extent such guidelines are in place, and any other site selection counseling and assistance we determine is appropriate; and (ii) the contact information of any local real estate broker that we have an existing relationship with and that is familiar with our confidential site selection/evaluation criteria, if we know any such brokers in or around the Designated Market Area you are assigned (Franchise Agreement, Section 1.2). We do not generally own the premises that System franchisees use for their Studio.
Our guidelines for site selection may require that you conduct, at your expense, an evaluation of the demographics of the market area for the location. Ideally, the Authorized Location of your Studio will be a major, national-tenant, anchored commercial retail center that meets our then-current requirements for population density, demographics, available parking, traffic flow and entrance/exit from the site (Franchise Agreement, Section 1.2).
If you locate a site, we will approve or disapprove of the site after we receive any and all reasonably requested information regarding your proposed site from you (Franchise Agreement, Section 1.2). While we are not required under the Franchise Agreement to notify you as to whether the site has been approved or rejected within a certain timeframe, we will typically notify you of our decision within 30 days after you have submitted all requested information to us regarding the site. We use a software program to evaluate the demographics of a market area for site selection approval. If we cannot agree on a site, we may extend the time for you to obtain a site, or we may terminate the Franchise Agreement.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 37–50)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bft's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Bft does not generally own the premises that franchisees use for their studios. The FDD states that franchisees are responsible for locating, obtaining, and developing a premises for their studio. This includes all costs, liabilities, and expenses associated with constructing, equipping, remodeling, and/or building out the premises according to Bft's System Standards.
Bft does offer site selection assistance, including providing written site selection guidelines and contact information for local real estate brokers familiar with Bft's criteria. Bft also has the right to review any lease or purchase agreement for a proposed location and may condition its approval on certain terms, such as the inclusion of specific clauses in the lease and a written representation from the landlord ensuring the franchisee's right to operate the studio. Bft also uses a software program to evaluate the demographics of a market area for site selection approval.
Prospective franchisees should be aware that they must secure Bft's approval of an authorized location within 90 days of signing the Franchise Agreement, or Bft may terminate the agreement. The authorized location should ideally be in a major, national-tenant, anchored commercial retail center that meets Bft's requirements for population density, demographics, available parking, and traffic flow. Franchisees are responsible for evaluating the demographics of the market area at their own expense.