For Black Bear Diner, what is the implication if a supplier has a poor general reputation?
Black_Bear_Diner Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
and/or service.
If we designate one or more exclusive suppliers for a particular good or service, you may not request to utilize an alternative supplier. However, if an exclusive supplier has not been designated and you desire to use any item, service or supplier in operating the Franchised Restaurant that we have not approved (for items or services that must meet our specifications or require supplier approval), you will first send us sufficient information, specifications and/or samples for us to determine whether the item or service complies with our standards and specifications or the supplier meets our criteria. We may charge a reasonable fee for inspection and/or testing, not to exceed $1,000, and will decide within a reasonable time, typically 30 days, after receiving all requested information whether any proposed item or service meets our specifications or if you may purchase or lease items or services from a proposed supplier. We apply the following general criteria in approving a proposed supplier: ability to provide sufficient quantity of product; quality of products and/or services at competitive prices; production and delivery capability; dependability and general reputation of the supplier and willingness to pay us a fee to join our key vendor network. In addition, suppliers of food products must meet our standards for testing and auditing to assure quality, safety and nutrition. We will notify you in writing of our decision regarding the approval or disapproval of any supplier or item or service. In addition, we will notify you in writing of our revocation of approval of any supplier, or of any item or service no longer meeting our specifications. You may be required to sign contracts with third party suppliers in the f
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, the general reputation of a supplier is one of the criteria that Black Bear Diner uses when approving a proposed supplier.
Specifically, if a franchisee desires to use a supplier that Black Bear Diner has not already approved, the franchisee must submit information about the supplier for approval. Black Bear Diner will then assess whether the supplier meets their criteria.
One of the criteria that Black Bear Diner uses in approving a proposed supplier is the "dependability and general reputation of the supplier". Therefore, if a proposed supplier has a poor general reputation, Black Bear Diner is less likely to approve that supplier for use by franchisees.