After acquiring a Restaurant Location, who is responsible for the construction or conversion of the premises to a Bonchon Restaurant?
Bonchon Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
After acquiring the Restaurant Location of your Bonchon Restaurant by lease or purchase, you shall at your expense, and as applicable, either construct your Bonchon Restaurant at the Restaurant Location, or convert the existing premises at the Restaurant Location to become your Bonchon Restaurant, in conformity with the final plans and specifications which we have approved (as provided in Section 6.04). At your expense and prior to commencing construction of your Restaurant, you must obtain all necessary permits, licenses, variances and approvals pertaining to the building, occupancy, signs, utilities, zoning, use, and any other permits, approvals or variances which are necessary to permit the construction and use of a Restaurant as may be required by federal, state and local laws, rules, regulations or ordinances.
Bonchon will designate an architect and a general contractor whose services you will be required to retain, at your own expense, for the development and construction of your Restaurant.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 92–536)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bonchon's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee is responsible for the construction or conversion of the premises into a Bonchon restaurant after acquiring the Restaurant Location. The franchisee bears the expenses for constructing a new Bonchon Restaurant or converting an existing location to meet Bonchon's standards and specifications. Bonchon will designate an architect and a general contractor whose services the franchisee will be required to retain, at their own expense, for the development and construction of their Restaurant.
Prior to starting any construction, the franchisee must secure all necessary permits, licenses, variances, and approvals related to building, occupancy, signage, utilities, and zoning, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. The franchisee is also expected to provide Bonchon with comprehensive information throughout the development process, including weekly progress reports and contact details of relevant professionals like civil engineers and subcontractors.
Bonchon emphasizes that it won't be held responsible for any construction delays, conversion issues, or losses resulting from the restaurant's design or construction. While Bonchon retains the right to approve changes to the restaurant's plans and access the location during construction, the franchisee is ultimately accountable for ensuring the project adheres to the approved plans and specifications. The franchisee's architect and general contractor must certify that the completed plans comply with ADA guidelines and all applicable laws before the restaurant opens.
Bonchon also has the right to conduct a final inspection before the restaurant's opening and can mandate corrections to ensure compliance with the approved plans. The restaurant cannot open if it fails to conform to these plans. This rigorous oversight ensures that each Bonchon restaurant meets the brand's standards, while the financial and logistical responsibility for achieving this standard rests with the franchisee.