Is a Bhc Master Franchisee or Subfranchisee allowed to establish an independent website dedicated to marketing the Franchised Business?
Bhc Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
8.12 Web Site and Internet Marketing.
- (a) During the term of this Agreement, Master Franchisee and Subfranchisees will use the BHC website, and any other Internet or social media only as specifically authorized by Franchisor in section 6.2(a) of this Agreement, the Operations Manual or otherwise in writing to market the Franchised Business conducted at Master Franchised BHC Restaurant and in the Territory. Master Franchisee or Subfranchises may not during the term of this Agreement (i) establish an independent website or social networking media BHC Restaurant dedicated to marketing the Franchised Business, or (ii) register an Internet domain or social networking media BHC Restaurant name using any of the Marks.
- (b) Any alternative distribution methods and programs Master Franchisee would like to use to engage in the Franchised Business, including e-commerce, web sites, Internet sub-dealers, tele sales and telemarketing, or any other non-retail method of distribution, is subject to Franchisor's prior written approval, which approval will be in Franchisor's sole discretion.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 52–230)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bhc's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Master Franchisees and Subfranchisees are restricted from establishing independent websites or social media dedicated to marketing the Bhc Franchised Business. They are only allowed to use the Bhc website and other internet or social media platforms as specifically authorized by Bhc. This authorization must be in accordance with section 6.2(a) of the agreement, the Operations Manual, or provided in writing by Bhc.
This restriction also extends to registering internet domain names or social networking media names that use any of Bhc's trademarks. Any alternative distribution methods or programs, including e-commerce, websites, internet sub-dealers, tele sales, telemarketing, or any other non-retail distribution method, require Bhc's prior written approval, which Bhc can grant or deny at its sole discretion.
This policy ensures that Bhc maintains control over its brand's online presence and marketing strategies. For a prospective franchisee, this means they must rely on Bhc's approved online channels and marketing materials, and they cannot independently create a website to promote their specific franchise location without explicit permission. This could limit a franchisee's ability to implement unique marketing strategies tailored to their local market, but it also ensures brand consistency and quality control across all online platforms.