Does Black Bear Diner have the right to revoke approval of any supplier, 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 ou
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 22–26)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Black Bear Diner Franchise Disclosure Document, Black Bear Diner retains the right to revoke approval of any supplier, item, or service. Specifically, Black Bear Diner will notify franchisees in writing if the approval of any supplier, item, or service is revoked due to the item or service no longer meeting their specifications.
Black Bear Diner franchisees are required to purchase goods and services from approved suppliers. If a franchisee desires to use an unapproved item, service, or supplier, they must submit sufficient information, specifications, and/or samples to Black Bear Diner for approval. Black Bear Diner may charge a fee, not exceeding $1,000, for inspection and/or testing to determine if the item or service meets their standards or if the supplier meets their criteria. Black Bear Diner typically makes a decision within 30 days after receiving all requested information.
The criteria Black Bear Diner uses to approve a proposed supplier include the 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 Black Bear Diner a fee to join their key vendor network. Suppliers of food products must also meet Black Bear Diner's standards for testing and auditing to assure quality, safety, and nutrition.
This policy ensures that Black Bear Diner maintains consistent quality and standards across all franchise locations. It also allows Black Bear Diner to control the supply chain and potentially benefit from fees paid by approved suppliers. Franchisees must adhere to these requirements to maintain compliance with the Franchise Agreement.