Does Bhc have an obligation to maintain the Intranet indefinitely?
Bhc Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
8.13 Intranet.
- (a) Franchisor may, at its option, establish and maintain an "Intranet" through which (i) BHC franchisees may communicate with each other, (ii) Franchisor and Franchisee may communicate with each other and (iii) Franchisor may disseminate the Operations Manual, updates thereto and other confidential information. Franchisor has full discretion and control over all aspects of any such Intranet, including the content and functionality thereof. Franchisor will have no obligation to maintain the Intranet indefinitely and may dismantle it at any time without liability to Franchisee.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 52–230)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bhc's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Bhc has no obligation to maintain the Intranet indefinitely. Bhc may choose to establish and maintain an Intranet for communication between franchisees, the franchisor, and for disseminating information such as the Operations Manual. However, Bhc retains full discretion and control over the Intranet's content and functionality.
This means that Bhc can decide to dismantle the Intranet at any time without incurring any liability to the franchisee. This gives Bhc flexibility in managing its communication and information dissemination methods.
For a prospective franchisee, this implies that reliance on the Intranet as a permanent communication tool is not guaranteed. While it may be a valuable resource if Bhc chooses to maintain it, franchisees should be prepared for the possibility of its discontinuation and the need to adapt to alternative communication methods provided by Bhc.