For a Black Bear Diner restaurant, is the franchisee required to hire an architect to prepare plans?

According to Black Bear Diner's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are responsible for developing their restaurant in compliance with the Black Bear Diner system standards, applicable laws, and lease requirements. Black Bear Diner will provide standard specifications and layouts for the restaurant. However, the franchisee is required to hire an architect, acceptable to Black Bear Diner, to prepare the restaurant plans and make any necessary changes to the standard specifications and layout.

While Black Bear Diner must accept the franchisee's architect, this acceptance does not constitute an endorsement of the architect, nor does it render Black Bear Diner liable for adherence to any federal, state, or local codes. The franchisee or their architect must certify that the architectural renderings, plans, and specifications comply with all applicable federal, state, and local codes, including the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Black Bear Diner retains the right to review and approve all plans and specifications before construction begins. Furthermore, Black Bear Diner will perform a final inspection and provide a written sign-off if the build-out meets their approval. The franchisee cannot begin operating the restaurant until Black Bear Diner signs off on the final build-out. This process ensures that each Black Bear Diner restaurant meets the brand's standards and complies with all relevant regulations.