Who is responsible for developing and opening the Bft studio, including securing the Authorized Location?
Bft Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Despite any assistance Franchisor provides to Franchisee, Franchisee is entirely responsible, at its expense, for doing everything necessary to develop and open the Studio in accordance with this Agreement, including, subject to Franchisor's prior written acceptance, timely locating, selecting, and securing possession of the Authorized Location.
Franchisee must provide any information Franchisor requests to aid in its evaluation of Franchisee's proposed site. Franchisor will have sole discretion to accept or reject any proposed site. Franchisor's acceptance is entirely for its own benefit and may not be relied upon by Franchisee as a representation, warranty, or indication of any kind, including as to the suitability of the Authorized Location or the likelihood of success of the Studio. Franchisor is not responsible should any of the criteria on which it bases its decision change or not serve the Franchisee's purposes.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 79–265)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bft's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee is ultimately responsible for developing and opening the Bft studio. This includes all necessary actions to open the studio, such as securing the Authorized Location. While Bft may provide assistance and guidance, the franchisee bears the responsibility and associated expenses for these activities.
Specifically, the franchisee is responsible for locating, selecting, and securing possession of the Authorized Location, subject to Bft's written acceptance. The franchisee must also provide any information Bft requests to aid in its evaluation of the proposed site. However, Bft has sole discretion to accept or reject any proposed site. Bft's acceptance of a site is for its own benefit and should not be seen as a guarantee of the location's suitability or the studio's potential success.
Bft will consult and advise the franchisee on various aspects, including the display of marks, layout and design, equipment procurement, furniture, fixtures, initial inventories, and managing construction or remodeling. After the franchisee secures a lease, Bft will provide specifications and standards for building, equipment, furnishings, fixtures, layout, design, and signs. The franchisee's architect is responsible for proposing changes to meet legal requirements and adapt to the location's characteristics, but these changes require Bft's prior written consent.
This arrangement is typical in franchising, where the franchisee manages the local execution while adhering to the franchisor's brand standards and receiving support. Prospective franchisees should carefully consider the financial and operational responsibilities involved in site selection and development, as well as the franchisor's approval process and the potential for additional costs related to modifications or renovations.