Does Body20 have the right to approve project managers, architects, engineers, or designers chosen by the franchisee?
Body20 Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We have the right to require you to obtain our prior written approval of any project managers, architects, engineers, or designers that you would like to use before you engage them. (Franchise Agreement - Section 4.4(a))
- **4.
Approval of Contractors.** You must provide us with written notice identifying your general contractor, and you must ensure that the contractor is duly licensed in your jurisdiction and adequately insured.
You may not begin construction until we have given you written approval of the plans and we have approved in writing your choice of general contractor.
We may require you to use only general contractors that we have pre-approved, provided that one is available in your Site Selection Area. (Franchise Agreement - Sections 4.4(c))
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 38–49)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Body20's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Body20 retains the right to approve or disapprove of any project managers, architects, engineers, or designers that a franchisee intends to use. This approval must be obtained in writing before the franchisee engages their services. This requirement is detailed in the Franchise Agreement under Section 4.4(a).
This provision grants Body20 significant control over the construction and design aspects of the franchise location. It ensures that all professionals involved in setting up the studio meet Body20's standards and are capable of adhering to the brand's specifications. For a prospective franchisee, this means they cannot independently choose these professionals but must seek approval from Body20, potentially limiting their options and increasing the time required for the studio build-out.
Furthermore, Body20 also requires written notice identifying the general contractor chosen by the franchisee, ensuring they are duly licensed and adequately insured. Construction cannot begin until Body20 provides written approval of the construction plans and the chosen general contractor. Body20 may also require franchisees to use only pre-approved general contractors if one is available in the franchisee's Site Selection Area. This stipulation further emphasizes Body20's control over the construction process, aiming to maintain uniformity and quality across all franchise locations.
Overall, these requirements ensure that Body20 maintains tight control over the aesthetic and structural integrity of each franchise location, which aligns with common franchising practices where brand consistency is a priority. However, franchisees should be aware of these restrictions and factor in the potential delays and limitations when planning their studio setup.