If a Bojangles Franchise Agreement expires or is terminated and the franchisee fails to de-identify the premises, who is permitted to enter the premises to remove Bojangles signs and decor?

According to Bojangles' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee fails to de-identify the premises after the Franchise Agreement expires or is terminated, the franchisor, its employees, or agents are permitted to enter the premises to remove Bojangles signs, decor, and materials displaying the franchisor's marks, designs, or logos. The franchisee is originally obligated to de-identify the premises as a Bojangles restaurant at their sole cost and expense.

This provision ensures that Bojangles maintains control over its brand image and proprietary marks even after a franchise agreement ends. It prevents unauthorized use of the Bojangles brand and ensures consistency across all locations, even those that are no longer part of the franchise system.

For a prospective franchisee, this means understanding that upon termination or expiration of the franchise agreement, they are responsible for removing all Bojangles branding from the premises at their own expense. Failure to do so will allow Bojangles to enter the premises and remove the branding themselves. This could potentially lead to additional costs or complications for the former franchisee if Bojangles needs to take action to de-identify the location.

This is a fairly standard clause in franchise agreements, as franchisors need to protect their brand identity and prevent consumer confusion. Franchisees should be aware of these obligations and factor the costs of de-identification into their business planning, especially when considering the potential end of their franchise term.