Can a Bhc franchisee maintain their own website related to the franchised restaurant?
Bhc Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
(iii) You, Affiliate Franchisee or your Subfranchisees may not maintain your own website, otherwise maintain a presence, or advertise on the internet or any other mode of electronic commerce in connection with a Master Franchised BHC Restaurant, establish a link to any website we establish at or from any other website or page, or at any time establish any other website, electronic commerce presence or URL which in whole or in part incorporates "BHC" name or any name confusingly similar to the Proprietary Marks.
(iv) You, your Affiliate Franchisee, and your Subfranchisees are not permitted to promote a Master Franchised BHC Restaurant or use any of the Marks in any manner on any social or networking websites, such as Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter, without our prior written consent.
We will control all social media initiatives.
You, your Affiliate Franchisee, and your Subfranchisees must comply with our System standards regarding the use of social media in your Master Franchised BHC Restaurant's operation, including prohibitions on your and the Master Franchised BHC Restaurant's employees posting or blogging comments about the Master Franchised BHC Restaurant or the System, other than on a website established or authorized by us. "Social media" includes personal blogs, common social networks like Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, professional networks like LinkedIn, live-blogging tools like Twitter, virtual worlds, file, audio and video-sharing sites, and other similar social networking or media sites or tools.
We reserve the right to conduct collective/national campaigns via local social media on your behalf.
- (v) We alone will be, and at all times will remain, the sole owner of the copyrights to all material which appears on any website we establish and maintain, including any and all material you,
your Affiliate Franchisee, and your Subfranchisees may furnish to us for you and your Subfranchisees "click through" subpage.
Source: Item 11 — Franchisor's Assistance, Advertising, Computer Systems, And Training (FDD pages 29–38)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bhc's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are generally prohibited from maintaining their own websites related to their Bhc restaurant. The FDD states that franchisees "may not maintain your own website, otherwise maintain a presence, or advertise on the internet or any other mode of electronic commerce in connection with a Master Franchised BHC Restaurant." This restriction extends to establishing links to other websites or creating any URL that incorporates the "BHC" name or similar trademarks. This policy ensures that Bhc maintains control over its brand's online presence and messaging.
Bhc franchisees are also restricted from promoting their restaurants or using Bhc's trademarks on social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter without prior written consent from Bhc. Bhc retains control over all social media initiatives related to the brand. Franchisees must adhere to Bhc's system standards regarding social media use, which includes prohibitions on posting or blogging about the restaurant or the Bhc system, except on websites authorized by Bhc. This comprehensive control over online activities is designed to maintain a consistent brand image and prevent unauthorized or misleading information from being disseminated.
Bhc reserves the right to conduct national campaigns via local social media on behalf of its franchisees. Bhc will be the sole owner of the copyrights to all material on any website it establishes, including content provided by franchisees for their "click through" subpages. This further emphasizes Bhc's control over the brand's online representation and marketing efforts. While franchisees cannot independently manage websites or social media in an unrestricted manner, Bhc's corporate-led initiatives aim to support and promote the brand and its locations collectively.