Does the Franchise Agreement for Big O Tires prohibit the use of public figures in advertising?

According to Big O Tires's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Franchise Agreement does not prohibit franchisees from using the name of a public figure or celebrity in their advertising. However, all advertising must receive approval from Big O Tires. This means that while franchisees have the freedom to explore advertising strategies involving public figures, they must ensure that their plans align with the brand standards and receive the green light from the franchisor before implementation. This requirement allows Big O Tires to maintain control over its brand image and ensure that all advertising efforts are consistent with its overall marketing strategy.

This policy is fairly common in franchising, as franchisors typically want to maintain control over brand messaging and avoid potentially damaging associations. The approval process allows Big O Tires to evaluate the suitability of the public figure, the content of the advertisement, and its potential impact on the brand's reputation. Franchisees should factor in the time required for approval when planning their advertising campaigns and be prepared to make revisions based on the franchisor's feedback.

While the FDD clarifies that franchisees are not prohibited from using public figures in advertising, it is important to note that Big O Tires does not currently use any public figures to promote its franchise. This suggests that the franchisor may have specific criteria or guidelines for evaluating the use of public figures in advertising, which franchisees should be aware of. Prospective franchisees should discuss these guidelines with Big O Tires to understand the factors that will be considered during the approval process and to ensure that their advertising plans are aligned with the franchisor's expectations.