What is the Big Apple Bagels franchisee's obligation regarding the image of the store?
Big_Apple_Bagels Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
a. Image of the Store. The presentation of an image in compliance with Franchisor's minimum standards and specifications to the public is an essential element of a successful franchise system. Franchisee shall offer for sale all products and services that Franchisor, in its sole discretion, may from time to time require, and shall make such expenditures as may be necessary to enable it to fulfill such obligation, including, without limitation, the purchase or lease of new equipment or services, and the hiring and training of suitable personnel. Franchisee further agrees that the BAGELS Store will not, without prior written approval by Franchisor, provide and/or offer for sale any products or services not then authorized by Franchisor for BAGELS Stores. Franchisor reserves the right to revoke its approval of any products or suppliers previously authorized at any time upon written notice to Franchisee, provided that Franchisee may continue to offer and sell all remaining on-hand or ordered non-cancelable inventory of such products or from such suppliers as of the date of receipt of written notice from Franchisor. The term "supplier" in this Agreement, when used to refer to Franchisor's right to designate or approve suppliers from whom Franchisee must purchase products or services, includes not only the manufacturer, but also the distributor of those products or services. Franchisor may, from time to time, conduct market research and testing to determine consumer trends and the salability of new food and beverage products and services. Franchisee agrees to cooperate by participating in Franchisor's market research programs, test marketing of new services and products in the BAGELS Store, customer feedback programs, and providing Franchisor with timely reports and other relevant information regarding such market research. In connection with any such test marketing, Franchisee shall purchase a reasonable quantity of tested products and effectively promote and make a reasonable effort to sell such products.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 86–87)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Big Apple Bagels' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, maintaining a consistent and positive image is crucial for the success of the franchise system. As a Big Apple Bagels franchisee, you are obligated to present the store in compliance with the franchisor's minimum standards and specifications. This includes offering all products and services that Big Apple Bagels may require from time to time.
To meet these obligations, you may need to make necessary expenditures, such as purchasing or leasing new equipment or services, and hiring and training suitable personnel. Additionally, you cannot offer any products or services that are not authorized by Big Apple Bagels without prior written approval. Big Apple Bagels reserves the right to revoke approval of any previously authorized products or suppliers, but you can continue to sell any remaining on-hand or non-cancelable inventory as of the date you receive written notice of the revocation.
Big Apple Bagels may also conduct market research and testing to determine consumer trends and the salability of new products and services. As a franchisee, you are expected to cooperate by participating in these market research programs, test marketing new services and products in your store, and providing timely reports and other relevant information. This includes purchasing a reasonable quantity of tested products and making a reasonable effort to promote and sell them.
Overall, these requirements ensure that all Big Apple Bagels locations maintain a consistent brand image and offer products and services that meet the franchisor's standards and consumer demands. This helps to protect the goodwill of the Big Apple Bagels brand and the success of the franchise system as a whole.