Does Bft require the franchisee or Operating Principal to personally supervise the Studio?
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, Bft recommends, but does not require, that the franchisee or, if the franchisee is an entity, the Operating Principal, personally supervise the Studio. If the franchisee chooses not to personally supervise the Studio, they can appoint a Designated Manager, subject to Bft's approval, to manage the daily operations. Bft will not unreasonably withhold approval of a proposed Designated Manager, provided the individual has successfully 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 direct, day-to-day supervision of the Studio's operations or act as the on-premises supervisor. If the 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. The franchisee must keep Bft informed, in writing, of any Designated Manager involved in the Studio's operation and their contact information.
The Bft Studio must always be managed and staffed with at least one individual who has successfully completed the Owner/Operator Training Module. This ensures that regardless of whether the franchisee or a Designated Manager is directly overseeing operations, there is always someone on-site with the necessary training and knowledge to manage the Studio effectively. This requirement helps maintain Bft's standards and operational quality.