Is a general contractor required to complete the build-out of a Black Bear Diner restaurant?
Black_Bear_Diner Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must hire a general contractor to complete the build-out of your Black Bear Diner restaurant. You must purchase, at your expense, all fixtures, furnishing and signs as we may periodically approve. To ensure a uniform image throughout the Black Bear Diner system, you must utilize a proprietary Décor Package and Carved Bear Package in the build out of your Franchised Restaurant. The Décor Package includes items used for the decoration of your Franchised Restaurant and includes bear-themed posters, photographs, signs, silhouettes and wallpaper. A list of items included in the standard Décor Package is included as Exhibit B to the Franchise Agreement. The Carved Bear Package includes a grouping of colorful, wood-carved
bears depicted in playful, inviting poses which are designed to welcome customers to your Franchised Restaurant. A list of items included in the Carved Bear Package is included as Exhibit C to the Franchise Agreement. Both the Décor Package and the Carved Bear Package must be purchased from designated suppliers and installed by your general contractor. We will assist you in placing your order with the designated suppliers of these packages.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 22–26)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Black Bear Diner's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee is required to hire a general contractor to complete the build-out of their restaurant. The franchisee is responsible for the development of the restaurant, ensuring that all plans and specifications comply with Black Bear Diner's system requirements, applicable laws, and lease requirements.
Black Bear Diner provides standard specifications and layouts for the restaurant. The franchisee must hire an architect acceptable to Black Bear Diner to prepare the plans and make necessary changes to the standard specifications and layout. The franchisee must also purchase all fixtures, furnishings, and signs as approved by Black Bear Diner.
To maintain a consistent brand image, franchisees must use a proprietary Décor Package and Carved Bear Package in the build-out, both of which must be purchased from designated suppliers and installed by the general contractor. Black Bear Diner will assist the franchisee in placing orders with the designated suppliers for these packages. Black Bear Diner also has the right to review and approve all plans and specifications before construction begins and will perform a final inspection to ensure the build-out meets their approval before the restaurant begins operations.