If a Bft franchisee is a business entity, must the Designated Manager hold an ownership interest to be the on-premises supervisor?
Bft Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Under the Franchise Agreement, we recommend, but do not require, that you (or, if you are an entity, the Operating Principal) personally supervise the Studio. You may appoint a Designated Manager we approve to manage daily operations of your Studio. We will not unreasonably withhold our approval of any Designated Manager you propose, provided the individual has successfully completed the Designated Manager Training Module and, if that individual will be providing any Approved Services, the Pre-Opening Instructor Training and Fundamentals Training Program. Once approved, your Designated Manager may assist in the direct, day-to-day supervision of the operations of the Studio, or to be the on-premises supervisor if you choose not to personally supervise the Studio. If you are a business entity, your Designated Manager need not hold an ownership interest in the business to be the on-premises supervisor.
You will keep us advised, in writing, of any Designated Manager involved in the operation of the Studio and their contact information. Your Studio must, at all times, be managed by and staffed with at least one (1) individual who has successfully completed the Owner/Operator Training Module.
Source: Item 15 — OBLIGATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ACTUAL OPERATION OF THE FRANCHISE BUSINESS (FDD pages 56–57)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bft's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a Bft franchisee is a business entity, the Designated Manager is not required to hold an ownership interest in the business to be the on-premises supervisor. Bft recommends, but does not require, that the franchisee or, if the franchisee is an entity, the Operating Principal, personally supervise the studio.
A franchisee can appoint a Designated Manager, subject to Bft's approval, to manage the daily operations. Bft will not unreasonably withhold approval, provided the individual has completed the Designated Manager Training Module and, if providing Approved Services, the Pre-Opening Instructor Training and Fundamentals Training Program.
Once approved, the Designated Manager can assist in the day-to-day supervision or be the on-premises supervisor if the franchisee chooses not to personally supervise the studio. The franchisee must keep Bft informed in writing of any Designated Manager involved in the operation of the studio and their contact information. The studio must always be managed and staffed by at least one individual who has completed the Owner/Operator Training Module.