Are Bhc franchisees allowed to maintain their own website for their 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.
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 explicitly prohibited from maintaining their own websites for their restaurants. 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 online presence that incorporates the "BHC" name or similar trademarks.
This policy ensures that Bhc maintains control over its brand's online presence and messaging. By centralizing the online presence, Bhc aims to provide a consistent brand image and customer experience. This approach allows Bhc to manage online marketing strategies, promotions, and customer interactions more effectively.
Furthermore, Bhc controls all social media initiatives and requires franchisees to comply with system standards regarding social media use. Franchisees are not allowed to promote their restaurants or use Bhc's trademarks on social networking sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter without prior written consent. This includes prohibitions on franchisees and their employees posting or blogging about the restaurant or the Bhc system, except on websites authorized by Bhc. This level of control is common in franchising to protect brand reputation and ensure consistent messaging across all locations.