Can Black Bear Diner change the services that a franchisee may sell?
Black_Bear_Diner Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We require you to offer and sell only menu items and other categories of products and services that we have authorized. In addition, you must offer all menu items and other categories of products and services that we designate as required for all franchisees. You must follow all directions, specifications, recipes, formulae and techniques as to the contents, including using the ingredients and preparation methods we specify, as well as conform to our packaging specifications. In addition, you are not permitted to sell any other food or beverage item or other merchandise of any kind without our prior written consent, which consent may be granted or withheld in our sole discretion. We may change the products, services, or merchandise that you may sell as well as the ingredients, manner of preparation, packaging, and other features at any time. There is no limit to the type or extent of our changes.
Source: Item 16 — RESTRICTIONS ON WHAT THE FRANCHISEE MAY SELL (FDD pages 40–41)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Black Bear Diner's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Black Bear Diner has the authority to modify the products, services, and merchandise that franchisees are permitted to sell.
Specifically, Black Bear Diner may change the products, services, or merchandise that a franchisee may sell, as well as alter the ingredients, preparation methods, packaging, and other features at any time, without any limitations to the type or extent of these changes. Franchisees are required to offer and sell only authorized menu items and other categories of products and services, including those designated as required for all franchisees.
This means that a prospective Black Bear Diner franchisee must be prepared to adapt their business operations to accommodate changes mandated by the franchisor. This includes potential expenditures for modifications to menu items, preparation methods, or other aspects of the system. While franchisees can offer other products or services, they must obtain prior written consent from Black Bear Diner, which may be granted or withheld at the franchisor's discretion.