How will Black Bear Diner notify a franchisee of the approval or disapproval of a supplier or item or service?
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, if a franchisee wants to use a supplier, item, or service that Black Bear Diner hasn't already approved, the franchisee must first provide sufficient information, specifications, and samples for Black Bear Diner to evaluate whether it meets their standards. Black Bear Diner may charge a reasonable fee for this inspection or testing, up to a maximum of $1,000.
Black Bear Diner will then decide whether the proposed item, service, or supplier meets their criteria within a reasonable time, typically 30 days, after receiving all the necessary information. The criteria Black Bear Diner uses to approve a supplier include their ability to provide sufficient quantities of the product, the quality of their products or services at competitive prices, their production and delivery capability, their dependability and general reputation, and their willingness to pay a fee to join Black Bear Diner's key vendor network. Suppliers of food products must also meet Black Bear Diner's standards for testing and auditing to ensure quality, safety, and nutrition.
Black Bear Diner will notify the franchisee in writing of their decision regarding the approval or disapproval of any supplier, item, or service. Additionally, Black Bear Diner will also provide written notification if they revoke approval of any supplier, or if any item or service no longer meets their specifications. Franchisees may also be required to sign contracts with third-party suppliers in the form that the suppliers specify.