Is a Bonchon franchisee required to refurbish their restaurant at their own cost and expense before the commencement of a Successor Term?
Bonchon Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Before the commencement of the applicable Successor Term, you must, at your cost and expense, refurbish, redesign and/or remodel your franchised Bonchon Restaurant as we reasonably require to meet our then current standards, requirements and specifications (including, without limitation, refurbishing, repairing or replacing all equipment, electronic cash register systems, Computer and Point of Sale System and Other Technology, signs, interior and exterior decor items, fixtures, furnishings, supplies and other products and materials required for the operation of the Restaurant and otherwise upgrading the Restaurant as we reasonably require to reflect our then-current System standards and the image of the System);
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 92–536)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bonchon's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee must refurbish, redesign, and/or remodel their Bonchon restaurant at their own cost and expense before starting a Successor Term. This includes meeting Bonchon's then-current standards, requirements, and specifications. The refurbishment may involve repairing or replacing equipment, electronic cash register systems, computer and point-of-sale systems, signs, interior and exterior decor items, fixtures, furnishings, supplies, and other products and materials needed to operate the restaurant. The franchisee must also upgrade the restaurant to reflect Bonchon's current system standards and image.
This requirement ensures that all Bonchon restaurants maintain a consistent brand image and meet current operational standards. For a franchisee, this means a potentially significant investment before the Successor Term can begin. The extent of the required refurbishment will depend on how well the restaurant has been maintained and how much Bonchon's standards have evolved since the initial franchise agreement.
It is important for prospective franchisees to understand the potential costs associated with these upgrades and to factor them into their long-term financial planning. Franchisees should also inquire about the typical scope and cost of these refurbishments to better prepare for this expense. Furthermore, the franchisee may be required to use a general contractor designated by Bonchon for these renovations.