factual

What is the 'System Standards' for Bft?

Bft Franchise · 2025 FDD

Answer from 2025 FDD Document

ion with any music that Franchisee and/or any staff at the Studio determines to play or use that is not otherwise covered by the Music Licensing Fee. Franchisee further acknowledges and agrees that Franchisee is, and will continue to be, at all times during the Term, solely responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Studio in accordance with this Agreement, including all decisions regarding its personnel (as described in Section 8.3 below), each of whom must be competent, conscientious, and properly trained. Franchisee acknowledges that nothing in this Agreement shall, or may be construed to, create any type of employer or joint employer relationship between (a) Franchisee or any of Franchisee's personnel, and (b) Franchisor in any matter.

8. STUDIO IMAGE AND OPERATING STANDARDS

  • 8.1 Compliance. Franchisee acknowledges and agrees that every detail regarding the appearance and operation of its Studio is important to Franchisor, Franchisee, the System and other owners and operators of BFT Studios in order to maintain high and uniform operating standards, to increase demand for the classes sold by all franchisees, and to protect Franchisor's and the System's reputation and goodwill, and, accordingly, Franchisee agrees to comply strictly at all times with the requirements of this Agreement and the System Standards (whether contained in the Learning Management System or any other written or oral communication to Franchisee by Franchisor) relating to the appearance or operation of the Studio. Franchisee acknowledges that other BFT Studios may operate under different forms of agreement with Franchisor, and that the rights and obligations of the Parties to other agreements may differ from those hereunder.
  • 8.2 Franchisor's Right to Inspect. To determine whether Franchisee is complying with this Agreement and the System Standards, Franchisor reserves the right, at any reasonable time and without prior notice, and subject to Applicable Laws, to inspect and assess all aspects of the Studio's appearance and operations, including the right to: (1) inspect and examine the Studio premises, fitness equipment, facilities and operation of the Studio in person; (2) interview Franchisee and Franchisee's employees and any independent contractors; (3) interview members and customers of and suppliers to the Studio and any other person with whom Franchisee does business; (4) confer with members and staff of government agencies with authority over Franchisee about matters relevant to the Studio; and (5) use "mystery shoppers," who may pose as customers. Franchisor will bear the costs of all such initial inspections, but it reserves the right to require Franchisee to reimburse it costs (including travel expenses, room and board, employee/representative wages, and related fees) associated with re-inspections or follow-up visits that Franchisor or its designees conduct after any inspection of the Studio reveals one or more failures to comply with System Standards, and/or if any follow-up visit is necessary because Franchisor or its designated representatives were for any reason prevented from properly inspecting any part of the Studio.
  • 8.3 Personnel. Franchisee agrees to engage in the operation of the Studio only persons of high character and ability who maintain and exhibit traits of enthusiasm, cleanliness, neatness, friendliness,

honesty and loyalty, it being recognized by Franchisee that such persons are necessary in order to promote and maintain customer satisfaction and the goodwill of the System. Franchisee must ensure that in connection with all dealings with all stakeholders in the value of the BFT brand and System (including, without limitation, with Franchisor, its affiliates, Franchisor and its affiliates' employees, other BFT franchisees, franchisees of Franchisor's affiliates, members and prospective Studio members of the BFT brand or any other brand in connection with Franchisor's affiliates, and suppliers and vendors), its and each of its owners' and employees' must act honestly and ethically in each instance. Franchisee agrees to staff the Studio at all times with a sufficient number of qualified, competent personnel who have been trained in accordance with this Agreement and the System Standards. Franchisee, not Franchisor, shall be considered the employer of all employees and the principal of all independent contractors of the Studio. It is the sole responsibility of Franchisee to hire, discipline, discharge and establish wages, hours, benefits, employment policies and other terms and conditions of employment for its employees and independent contractors. Franchisee is solely responsible for obtaining its own independent legal advice regarding the employment of employees and retention of independent contractors, and for complying with any and all Applicable Laws pertaining thereto. Franchisor shall have no responsibility for the terms and conditions of Franchisee's relationship with Franchisee's employees and/or independent contractors. Franchisee shall engage in no discriminatory employment practices and shall in every way comply with all Applicable Laws, including all wage-hour, civil rights, immigration, employee safety and related employment and payroll related laws. Franchisee shall make all necessary filings with, and pay all taxes and fees due to, the Internal Revenue Service and all other federal, state and local governmental agencies or entities to which filings and payments are required. Franchisee acknowledges that nothing in this Section or Agreement shall, or may be construed to, create any type of employer or joint employer relationship between (a) Franchisee or any of Franchisee's personnel, and (b) Franchisor in any matter.

8.4 Products and Services to be Offered for Sale.

A. Approved Services and Approved Products Generally. Franchisee acknowledges that the presentation of a uniform image to the public and the offering of uniform services and products is an essential element of a successful franchise system. In order to ensure consistency, quality and uniformity throughout the System, Franchisee agrees (1) to sell and offer for sale only the Approved Services and Approved Products; (2) to sell and offer for sale all of the Approved Services and Approved Products required by Franchisor; (3) not to deviate from the System Standards; and (4) to discontinue selling and offering for sale any services or products that Franchisor may, in its discretion, disapprove at any time. Franchisor shall supply Franchisee with a list of suppliers from which Franchisee is required to purchase fitness equipment and other products or services for the Studio. Franchisor may change this list from time to time, and upon notification to Franchisee, Franchisee shall only purchase fitness equipment and required products or services from approved suppliers as specified on the changed list. Franchisor and its affiliates may be designated, approved, or sole suppliers of certain items and services. Franchisee agrees to keep the Studio and fitness equipment in clean condition, with all equipment well-maintained and operational, and be able at all times during business hours to provide members with all services and products specified by Franchisor.

B. Required Use of Approved Suppliers. Franchisee may, at its option, designate, mandate or approve suppliers (which may include Franchisor and its affiliates) of all equipment, gear, merchandise, apparel, supplies, and other assets used in the development and operation of Franchisee's Studio.

Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 79–265)

What This Means (2025 FDD)

According to Bft's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, maintaining high and uniform operating standards is crucial for the brand's reputation and the demand for classes. As a Bft franchisee, you must strictly adhere to the System Standards, which cover every detail of your studio's appearance and operation. These standards are communicated through the Learning Management System or other written or oral communications from Bft.

The System Standards dictate various aspects of the studio. The studio must be laid out, designed, constructed, equipped, and furnished according to these standards, with equipment, furnishings, and signs sourced from Bft-approved suppliers. Maintaining the studio and all fitness equipment in accordance with the System Standards is also mandatory, requiring prompt repair or replacement of defective items. Bft may evolve the System to incorporate new trends and technologies, requiring franchisees to modernize or remodel their studios, potentially including significant capital expenditures, as often as once every 5 years.

Bft retains the right to inspect your studio at any reasonable time, without prior notice, to ensure compliance with the System Standards. This includes inspecting the premises, equipment, and operations, as well as interviewing franchisees, employees, customers, and suppliers. Franchisees are expected to hire personnel who exhibit traits of enthusiasm, cleanliness, and honesty. The studio must be adequately staffed with trained personnel, and franchisees must ensure ethical conduct in all dealings related to the Bft brand. Franchisees may also be required to install and operate surveillance cameras with audio to monitor performance and ensure quality and safety, while complying with all applicable laws.

Franchisees must also offer and ensure awareness of member reciprocity policies among Bft studios and studios of other brands owned by Bft's affiliates. While franchisees are responsible for selecting a suitable site and submitting the lease to Bft for approval, Bft provides specifications and standards for building, equipment, and design. Although franchisees can propose changes to meet legal requirements or adapt to the location's characteristics, these changes require Bft's written consent. Overall, the System Standards aim to maintain uniformity and quality across all Bft studios, protecting the brand's reputation and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Disclaimer: This information is extracted from the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document and is provided for research purposes only. It does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with a franchise attorney before making any investment decisions.