Is engaging Black Bear Diner for Development Services mandatory?

According to the 2025 Black Bear Diner Franchise Disclosure Document, engaging Black Bear Diner for Development Services is optional. The FDD specifies that the Development Services Fee is described in greater detail in Item 5. Item 7 includes a table that lists the Development Services Fee, which ranges from $0 to $100,000, indicating that it is not a mandatory fee for all franchisees.

This means a prospective Black Bear Diner franchisee has the option to utilize Black Bear Diner's expertise in developing their restaurant location, but it is not a requirement. The franchisee can choose to handle the development process independently or use other third-party services. The decision likely depends on the franchisee's experience in restaurant development, their comfort level in managing the process, and their assessment of the value Black Bear Diner's Development Services provide.

If a franchisee chooses to engage Black Bear Diner for development services, they would pay a Development Services Fee, as detailed in Item 5, in a lump sum upon signing a Development Services Agreement. This fee compensates Black Bear Diner for their assistance in the development process. However, the initial investment table shows that a franchisee could pay $0 for this expenditure, further reinforcing that these services are optional.