What aspects of the Franchised Restaurant's appearance does Black Bear Diner have control over?
Black_Bear_Diner Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisee agrees that Franchisor, Franchisee and other Black Bear Diner franchisees will benefit from the maintenance of reasonable standards for appearance and trade dress including prominent display of the Marks and the distinctive black bear trade dress. The Approved Location and the Franchised Restaurant will conform to all specifications for decor, furniture, fixtures, equipment, exterior and interior decorating designs and color schemes established by the Franchisor. The Franchisee will obtain and pay for the decor, furniture, fixtures, equipment, exterior and interior decorating designs and color schemes, inventory and supplies specified by the Manual or otherwise in writing by the Franchisor used by the Franchisee for the operation of its Black Bear Diner restaurant. All decor, furniture, fixtures, equipment, exterior and interior decorating designs and color schemes used in the Franchisee's Black Bear Diner restaurant must be installed and located in accordance with the floor plans approved by the Franchisor, and must conform to the quality standards and uniformity requirements established by the Franchisor. Franchisee agrees to purchase from Franchisor's designated supplier, which may include Franchisor or its affiliates, certain items necessary for the interior decoration of the Franchised Restaurant ("Décor Package") consisting of decorations including framed bear posters, photographs of local historical sites, photographs of local school activities, wallpaper featuring the black bear theme and other related items. A complete list of items included in the Décor Package is included in Exhibit B to this Agreement. In addition, Franchisee agrees to purchase from Franchisor's designated supplier, which may include Franchisor or its affiliates certain wood bear images featuring a rustic hand-carved of bears in various settings ("Carved Bear Package"). A complete list of the items included in the Carved Bear Package is included in Exhibit C to this Agreement.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 56–243)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Black Bear Diner Franchise Disclosure Document, Black Bear Diner maintains control over various aspects of the Franchised Restaurant's appearance. The franchisee must adhere to standards for appearance and trade dress, including displaying the Marks and the black bear trade dress.
The Approved Location and the Franchised Restaurant must conform to Black Bear Diner's specifications for decor, furniture, fixtures, equipment, and interior and exterior decorating designs and color schemes. The franchisee is responsible for obtaining and paying for these items as specified in the Manual or in writing by Black Bear Diner.
Furthermore, all decor, furniture, fixtures, equipment, and designs must be installed according to floor plans approved by Black Bear Diner and must meet the quality standards and uniformity requirements set by them. Franchisees are also required to purchase a Décor Package and a Carved Bear Package from Black Bear Diner's designated suppliers, which may include Black Bear Diner or its affiliates. These packages include specific decorations such as framed bear posters, historical photographs, wallpaper, and hand-carved bear images, with complete lists of items included in Exhibits B and C of the Franchise Agreement.