Must Bhc franchisees comply with System standards regarding the use of social media?
Bhc Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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.
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, their affiliate franchisees, and subfranchisees must adhere to Bhc's System standards concerning social media usage in their restaurant operations. These standards include restrictions on posting or blogging comments about the restaurant or the Bhc system, except on websites authorized by Bhc. The definition of "social media" is broad, encompassing personal blogs, social networks like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, professional networks like LinkedIn, live-blogging tools like Twitter, virtual worlds, and file, audio, and video-sharing sites. Bhc retains control over all social media initiatives and reserves the right to conduct collective or national campaigns via local social media on behalf of franchisees.
This means that franchisees have limited autonomy in managing their online presence and must ensure their employees also comply with Bhc's social media policies. Franchisees need to be aware of the types of content they and their employees can post online and the platforms they can use to promote their Bhc restaurant.
The FDD specifies that franchisees, affiliate franchisees, and subfranchisees are not allowed 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 Bhc's prior written consent. This restriction highlights the importance of obtaining approval from Bhc before engaging in any social media activities related to the franchise. Bhc's control over social media initiatives allows them to maintain a consistent brand image and messaging across all locations, but it also means franchisees must relinquish some control over their local marketing efforts.