Where must a Big Apple Bagels franchisee maintain their books and records?
Big_Apple_Bagels Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisee shall maintain all such books, records and
supporting documents at all times at his business office. Franchisee shall fully cooperate with representatives of Franchisor and accountants hired by Franchisor to conduct any such examination or audit. The examination or audit contemplated by this Paragraph may be conducted at Franchisee's business office or, if Franchisee has submitted materials to Franchisor at Franchisor's request, at Franchisor's offices.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 86–87)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Big Apple Bagels' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee is required to maintain all business records, bookkeeping and accounting records, bank statements, sales and income tax records and returns, POS System tapes or reports, and other books and records at their business office. This ensures that the franchisor has access to these documents for examination or audit purposes.
This requirement means that franchisees must have a designated business office where all financial and operational records are stored securely and are readily accessible. This could be a physical office space at the Big Apple Bagels store location or another approved location. The franchisee is responsible for ensuring that these records are well-organized and up-to-date to facilitate any audits conducted by Big Apple Bagels.
The franchisor has the right to examine or audit these records at any time, without prior notice. These audits can take place at the franchisee's business office or, if the franchisee has submitted materials to the franchisor, at the franchisor's offices. Franchisees must fully cooperate with the franchisor's representatives and accountants during any examination or audit.