Under what conditions can a Bojangles franchisee deviate from the standards and specifications?
Bojangles Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
To insure that the highest degree of quality, cleanliness, appearance, and service is maintained, Franchisee shall operate the Restaurant in strict conformity with such methods, standards, and specifications as Franchisor may from time to time prescribe in the Manual or otherwise in writing.
Franchisee agrees:
(1) To operate the Restaurant in a clean, wholesome manner in compliance with Franchisor's prescribed standards of quality, cleanliness, appearance and service;
(2) To maintain in the Restaurant in sufficient supply, and to use in the Restaurant at all times, only such ingredients, products, materials, supplies, and paper goods as conform with Franchisor's standards and specifications, and to refrain from deviating therefrom by the use or offer of nonconforming items, without Franchisor's prior written consent;
(3) To sell or offer for sale in the Restaurant only such menu items, products, and services as have been expressly approved for sale in writing by Franchisor; to sell or offer for sale in the Restaurant all types of menu items, products, and services specified by Franchisor including Bojangles tea, coffee and fountain drinks; to refrain from any deviation from Franchisor's standards and specifications without Franchisor's prior written consent; and to
Source: Item 16 — RESTRICTIONS ON WHAT THE FRANCHISEE MAY SELL (FDD pages 54–55)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bojangles's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee must operate their restaurant in strict compliance with the standards and specifications outlined in the franchise agreement, the manual, and other written directives from Bojangles. Deviation from these standards is generally not permitted without prior written consent from Bojangles. This encompasses all aspects of the restaurant's operation, including the ingredients used, menu items offered, and the overall quality, cleanliness, appearance, and service provided.
Specifically, a Bojangles franchisee must maintain the highest health standards, use only approved ingredients, products, materials, supplies, and paper goods that conform to Bojangles's standards. They must also sell only menu items, products, and services expressly approved in writing by Bojangles. The franchisee is required to sell all types of menu items, products, and services specified by Bojangles, including items like Bojangles tea, coffee, and fountain drinks.
To deviate from these standards, a franchisee must obtain prior written consent from Bojangles. This requirement for written consent applies to various aspects of the business, such as using non-conforming items or installing unapproved fixtures or equipment. Bojangles retains the right to change the types of authorized menu items, goods, and services, and franchisees must comply with these changes. Furthermore, franchisees are obligated to purchase food items, ingredients, equipment, furnishings, supplies, and services only from suppliers approved by Bojangles.
In summary, a Bojangles franchisee has very limited ability to deviate from the brand's established standards and specifications. Any deviation requires explicit prior written approval from Bojangles, ensuring uniformity and quality control across all franchise locations. This is a common practice in franchising to maintain brand consistency and protect the brand's reputation.