What is the length of the renewal term for a Black Bear Diner franchise?
Black_Bear_Diner Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
you sign the Franchise Agreement and expires 10 years from the date you actually open your Franchised Restaurant ("Initial Term"), unless terminated earlier in accordance with its terms.
4.2 Renewal Term
Franchisee shall have the right to acquire a successor franchise at the expiration of the initial term for an additional term of ten (10) years ("Renewal Term"), provided the following conditions must have been fulfilled and remain true as of the last day of the Initial Term of this Agreement:
- (a) Franchisee has, during the entire term of this Agreement, substantially complied with all its provisions and is not in default at time of renewal;
- (b) Franchisee shall have the right to remain in possession of the Approved Location for the duration of the Renewal Term;
- (c) Franchisee shall make capital expenditures necessary to remodel, modernize and redecorate the Franchised Restaurant so that the Franchised Restaurant reflects the then-current physical appearance and image for a new Black Bear Diner restaurant;
- (d) Franchisee has given notice to Franchisor of its intent to renew not less than nine (9) months nor more than twelve (12) months prior to the end of the Initial Term;
- (e) Franchisee shall execute and deliver Franchisor's then-current form of franchise agreement to Franchisor. The new franchise agreement shall supersede this Agreement in all respects, and the terms of which may differ from the terms of this Agreement including, without limitation, a different percentage Royalty Fee and Marketing Fund Contribution; provided, however, Franchisee shall not be required to pay the then-current Franchise Fee;
- (f) Franchisee has complied with Franchisor's then-current training requirements for franchisees and their employees;
- (g) Franchisee pays a renewal fee of $5,000 at time of signing the then-current form of franchise agreement; and
- (g) Franchisee has executed a g
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 56–243)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Black Bear Diner Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee can renew their franchise for an additional term of ten years. This renewal is not automatic; it requires the franchisee to meet several conditions.
To qualify for renewal, the franchisee must have substantially complied with all provisions of the franchise agreement during its entire term and must not be in default at the time of renewal. The franchisee must also have the right to remain in possession of the approved location for the renewal term. Furthermore, franchisees are required to remodel, modernize, and redecorate the franchised restaurant to reflect the current image of a new Black Bear Diner restaurant.
The franchisee must notify Black Bear Diner of their intent to renew the franchise agreement between nine and twelve months before the end of the initial term. They must also execute the then-current form of the franchise agreement, which may include different terms such as royalty fees and marketing fund contributions, although the franchisee will not be required to pay the then-current franchise fee. The franchisee must also comply with the franchisor's current training requirements and pay a renewal fee of $5,000 at the time of signing the new franchise agreement. Finally, the franchisee must execute a general release of any claims against Black Bear Diner and its affiliates.