If Bhc decides to use a public figure, will the franchisees have to participate in joint advertising?

According to Bhc's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are generally required to participate in system-wide promotions. Specifically, franchisees must participate in any gift card, customer loyalty, referral, and other contests and promotions that Bhc arranges, requires, or authorizes. Details about these contests and promotions are outlined in the Operations Manual. This suggests that if Bhc uses a public figure in a promotion, franchisees would likely be required to participate. Franchisees must also participate in all Bhc promotions described on Bhc's website and all franchisor-authorized charitable fundraising and group discount programs.

Bhc determines various aspects of regional or system-wide advertising, including cost, media, content, format, production, timing, location, and other related matters. This control extends to advertising paid for from Marketing and Promotion Fee contributions, public relations, and promotional campaigns. Bhc also reserves the right to conduct collective or national campaigns via local social media on behalf of franchisees.

Additionally, Bhc may impose an additional assessment upon affected franchisees for special designated advertising or promotional activities on a regional or system-wide basis. However, this is contingent upon two-thirds of all affected franchised Bhc Restaurants agreeing to such additional assessment through an affirmative vote. This provides a mechanism for franchisees to have a say in additional advertising expenditures, even if the initial decision to use a public figure is made by Bhc.