Who has sole discretion over public relations, advertising, and promotions for Bft?
Bft Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
The Fund will be administered by us (or our affiliates), as we deem appropriate in our discretion. We have also established a Fund advisory committee (the "FAC") to serve in an advisory capacity on matters related to the Fund. The Fund will be maintained and operated by us (or our affiliates) to meet the costs of conducting regional and national advertising and promotional efforts, other brand development activities, as well as related technology used to implement the foregoing (i.e., digital marketing platform, System web portal) that we determine beneficial to the System and employing advertising/public relations agencies to assist in advertising activities. With the assistance of the FAC, we will direct all public relations, advertising and promotions with sole discretion over the message, creative concepts, materials and media used in the programs and the placement and allocation thereof. We have the power to form, change or dissolve the FAC. We will pay for these activities from the Fund. The Fund Contributions may be used for traditional advertising activities, such as website development, social media, public relations, advertising campaigns (television, radio, print or other media), or other promotions which will further develop and/or raise the awareness/visibility of our brand, System and Studio locations (Franchise Agreement, Sections 6.8 and 9.1).
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 (or its affiliates), with the assistance of the Fund advisory committee (FAC), directs all public relations, advertising, and promotions. Bft has sole discretion over the message, creative concepts, materials, and media used in these programs, including their placement and allocation. Bft also has the power to form, change, or dissolve the FAC. These activities are funded from the Brand Development Fund.
This means that as a Bft franchisee, you will have limited control over the brand's overall advertising and promotional strategies. While you are responsible for local marketing activities within your Designated Territory, all advertising and promotional materials must be submitted for Bft's approval. This ensures brand consistency and adherence to Bft's standards.
Bft franchisees are required to spend a minimum amount on local advertising, specifically the greater of $1,500 or 2% of Gross Sales each month. Bft is not obligated to spend any amount on advertising within a franchisee's Designated Territory. This structure is common in franchising, where franchisors control the overall brand messaging while franchisees contribute to and execute local marketing efforts.
Prospective franchisees should understand that while they must contribute to the Brand Development Fund and meet local advertising requirements, Bft retains ultimate control over the brand's public image and marketing strategies. Franchisees should inquire about the FAC's role and how Bft incorporates franchisee feedback into its advertising and promotional decisions.