According to the Bojangles FDD, what constitutes the 'Manual' that franchisees must adhere to?
Bojangles Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
In order to protect the reputation and goodwill of Franchisor and to maintain high standards of operation under Franchisor's Proprietary Marks, Franchisee shall conduct its business in accordance with the Manual, one copy of which Franchisee acknowledges having received by electronic access or written copy on loan from Franchisor for the term of this Agreement. The Manual shall include manuals, memoranda, procedures, policies and other communications created by Franchisor that are posted on the Bojangles electronic portal or otherwise communicated to Franchisee in writing by email or hardcopy, whether or not noted as "Manual". If a posting is made to the Bojangles electronic portal, Franchisee shall be deemed to have notice of any changes or supplements to the Manual. Franchisee acknowledges and agrees that any required standards set forth in this Agreement and the Manual exist to protect Franchisor's interests in the System and the Proprietary Marks and not for the purpose of establishing any control or duty to take control over those matters that are reserved to Franchisee (including the day-to-day operation of the Restaurant and the conduct and management of Franchisee's employees).
- B. Franchisee shall at all times treat the Manual, any other manuals created for or approved for use in the operation of the Franchised Business, and the information contained therein, as confidential, and shall use all reasonable efforts to maintain such information as secret and confidential. Franchisee shall not at any time copy, duplicate, record, or otherwise reproduce the foregoing materials, in whole or in part, nor otherwise make the same available to any unauthorized person.
- C. The Manual shall at all times remain the sole property of Franchisor.
- D. Franchisor may from time to time revise the contents of the Manual, and Franchisee expressly agrees to comply with each new or changed standard.
- E. Franchisee shall continuously review changes to the Manual as posted on the Bojangles electronic portal, and to otherwise keep current with the Manual. In the event of any dispute as to the contents of the Manual, the terms of the master copy of the Manual maintained by Franchisor at Franchisor's home office shall be controlling.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 82)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bojangles's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the 'Manual' that franchisees must adhere to is defined broadly. It is designed to protect Bojangles's reputation and maintain operational standards. Franchisees receive a copy of the Manual either electronically or in writing at the start of their agreement.
The Manual includes various forms of communication from Bojangles, such as manuals, memoranda, procedures, policies, and other communications. These can be delivered through the Bojangles electronic portal, email, or hard copy. It's important to note that any item posted on the Bojangles electronic portal is considered to be official notice to the franchisee of changes or supplements to the Manual.
Franchisees are obligated to keep the Manual confidential and are not allowed to copy or share it with unauthorized individuals. Bojangles retains ownership of the Manual and can revise its contents at any time, with franchisees required to comply with any new or changed standards. Franchisees must regularly check the Bojangles electronic portal to stay updated with the latest version of the Manual, with the master copy held at Bojangles's home office serving as the controlling reference in case of disputes.