Is a Bhc franchisee allowed to establish an independent website or social networking media dedicated to marketing the Bhc franchised business?
Bhc Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
8.12 Web Site and Internet Marketing.
- (a) During the term of this Agreement, Franchisee will use the BHC website, and any other Internet or social media only as specifically authorized by Franchisor in section 6.2(a) of this Agreement, the Operations Manual or otherwise in writing to market the Franchised Business conducted at Franchisee's Franchised BHC Restaurant and in the Territory. Franchisee may not during the term of this Agreement (i) establish an independent website or social networking media Franchised BHC Restaurant dedicated to marketing the Franchised Business, or (ii) register an Internet domain or social networking media Franchised BHC Restaurant name using any of the Marks.
- (b) Any alternative distribution methods and programs Franchisee would like to use to engage in the Franchised Business, including e-commerce, web sites, Internet sub-dealers, tele sales and telemarketing, or any other non-retail method of distribution, is subject to Franchisor's prior written approval, which approval will be in Franchisor's sole discretion.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 52–230)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bhc's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are restricted in their ability to independently market the franchised business online. Specifically, a Bhc franchisee is not allowed to establish an independent website or social networking media dedicated to marketing their Bhc restaurant. They are only permitted to use the Bhc website and other internet or social media platforms as specifically authorized by Bhc.
This restriction is in place to ensure brand consistency and control over the online representation of the Bhc brand. All marketing efforts must align with the standards and guidelines set forth by Bhc, as detailed in section 6.2(a) of the Franchise Agreement and the Operations Manual. Any deviation from these guidelines requires written approval from Bhc.
Furthermore, franchisees are prohibited from registering internet domain names or social networking media names that incorporate Bhc's trademarks. This prevents franchisees from creating online identities that could potentially dilute or infringe upon the brand's intellectual property. Any alternative distribution methods or programs, including e-commerce and internet sub-dealers, also require prior written approval from Bhc, which can be granted or denied at Bhc's discretion.
In summary, Bhc maintains tight control over its online presence and marketing activities, limiting franchisees' autonomy in this area to protect the brand's image and ensure a consistent customer experience. Prospective franchisees should be aware of these restrictions and factor them into their marketing strategies.