Is there a limit to how many Designated Managers a Bft franchisee can appoint?
Bft Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- B. Designated Manager; Designated Manager Training Program. If Franchisee (or one of its Operating Principals) is not or does not intend to be on-site at the Studio during normal business hours to manage the day-to-day operations of its Studio (including, for example, where Franchisee owns or is affiliated with owners of multiple open BFT Studios), then Franchisee must appoint a "Designated Manager" for the Studio who will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of, and only for, the Studio. Each Designated Manager must attend and complete, to Franchisor's satisfaction, Franchisor's designated manager training program prior to assuming the Designated Manager responsibilities (the "Designated Manager Training Program"). Franchisor does not charge a Training Fee for Franchisee's initial Designated Manager's participation in the Designated Manager Training Program.
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 the 2025 Bft Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee (or one of its operating principals) does not intend to be on-site at the studio during normal business hours to manage the day-to-day operations, they must appoint a "Designated Manager." This is particularly relevant if the franchisee owns or is affiliated with owners of multiple open Bft studios. The Designated Manager is responsible for the daily operation of only that specific studio. The FDD does not specify a limit to how many Designated Managers a franchisee can appoint, but it does state that each Designated Manager must complete Bft's designated manager training program to the franchisor's satisfaction before assuming their responsibilities. Bft does not charge a training fee for the initial Designated Manager's participation in this program.
This requirement ensures that each Bft studio has an individual dedicated to its daily operations, maintaining the brand's standards and quality of service. For franchisees who own multiple units or have other business interests, appointing a Designated Manager allows them to maintain operational oversight without being physically present at each location. The Designated Manager must be trained and approved by Bft, ensuring they are competent and aligned with the franchisor's operational standards.
While the FDD does not explicitly state a limit on the number of Designated Managers a franchisee can appoint, the practical implication is that each studio requires a dedicated manager if the franchisee or operating principal is not on-site. This suggests that the number of Designated Managers would correspond to the number of studios the franchisee owns and operates where they are not personally managing the daily operations. A prospective franchisee should confirm with Bft if there are any implicit limitations or requirements related to the number of Designated Managers they can appoint, especially if they plan to own and operate multiple Bft studios.