In the Big Apple Bagels Franchise Agreement, what is the agreement effective date based on?

According to the 2025 Big Apple Bagels Franchise Disclosure Document, the Franchise Agreement's effective date is referenced in relation to several key events and obligations. The document includes a table with spaces to record the agreement's date and the store's location, indicating these factors are important for defining the agreement.

Specifically, the effective date of termination or expiration of the franchise is a crucial point for determining several post-termination obligations. Within fifteen days after this effective date, the franchisee must pay all outstanding amounts owed to Big Apple Bagels, including royalty fees, marketing fund contributions, and amounts for purchases from the franchisor or its affiliates. The franchisee must also cease using Big Apple Bagels' trademarks and return or destroy all related materials within thirty days of this date.

Furthermore, the effective date of termination or expiration also triggers a covenant not to compete. For a period of two years starting from this date (or the date of compliance with the non-compete terms, if later), the franchisee is restricted from engaging in any competitive business within a specified area. The agreement also stipulates that the franchisee must have the Big Apple Bagels store ready to open within a certain timeframe, which is linked to the agreement date and the franchisee's possession of the site. This timeframe is either six months from obtaining possession of the site, six months from the agreement date if the franchisee already possesses the site, or twelve months from the agreement date, whichever is earlier.