Can a Bhc franchisee establish an account or participate in any social networking sites mentioning the Bhc Franchise without prior written consent?

According to Bhc's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are restricted from engaging in any social networking activities that mention the Bhc franchise without obtaining prior written consent from Bhc. This includes establishing accounts or participating in social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. Bhc also has an online policy that may completely prohibit franchisees from using the Marks in social networking sites or other online use.

This restriction extends to the franchisee's online presence and any mention or discussion of the Bhc franchise, its affiliates, or Bhc itself. The policy is in place to ensure brand consistency and control over the public image of Bhc. Franchisees must adhere to Bhc's online policy, which may include a complete prohibition on using Bhc's trademarks on social networking sites or other online platforms.

Bhc maintains control over social media initiatives and may conduct national campaigns via local social media on behalf of the franchisee. Franchisees must also comply with Bhc's system standards regarding social media use in their restaurant's operation, including prohibitions on employees posting or blogging about the restaurant or the system, except on websites authorized by Bhc. This comprehensive control underscores the importance Bhc places on managing its brand image and online presence.

This policy has significant implications for prospective franchisees, as it limits their ability to independently promote their franchise on social media. Franchisees must seek prior approval for any online activity related to the Bhc brand, and Bhc retains the right to prohibit such activity entirely. This level of control is common in franchising, as franchisors seek to maintain a consistent brand image and prevent franchisees from making unauthorized claims or representations.