Is a Bonchon franchisee required to use a specific architect and general contractor for the construction of their restaurant?
Bonchon Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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.
- (a) If you would like to use an alternative architect, then you must submit to us (i) (for our approval) the name of your proposed architect and any other information that we may require to assess whether your proposed architect meets our then-current standards and specifications; and (ii) the Architect Evaluation Fee. The Architect Evaluation Fee is payable at the time you submit your request to use an alternate architect and is nonrefundable. Bonchon will review and communicate its decision as to whether your request is approved or rejected within three (3) weeks of the date that you submit all the information that we need to evaluate your proposed architect. If we do not respond to your request in the allotted timeframe, then you are prohibited from using the proposed architect.
- (b) If you would like to use an alternative general contractor, then you must submit to us (i) (for our approval) the name of your proposed general contractor and any other information that we may require to assess whether your proposed architect meets our then-current standards and specifications; and (ii) the General Contractor Evaluation Fee. The General Contractor Evaluation Fee is payable at the time you submit your request to use an alternate general contractor and is nonrefundable. Bonchon will review and communicate its decision as to whether your request is approved or rejected within three (3) weeks of the date that you submit all the information that we need to evaluate your proposed general contractor. If we do not respond to your request in the allotted timeframe, then you are prohibited from using the proposed general contractor.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 92–536)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bonchon's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are generally required to use an architect and general contractor designated by Bonchon for the development and construction of their restaurant. However, franchisees have the option to request approval to use an alternative architect or general contractor.
To use an alternative architect, the franchisee must submit the name of the proposed architect and any other required information to Bonchon for approval. They must also pay an Architect Evaluation Fee. Bonchon will then review the request and communicate its decision within three weeks. A similar process applies if a franchisee wants to use an alternative general contractor, including submitting the contractor's information for approval and paying a General Contractor Evaluation Fee. Bonchon will review this request within a three-week timeframe as well.
If Bonchon does not respond to the request to use an alternative architect or general contractor within the allotted three weeks, the franchisee is prohibited from using the proposed architect or general contractor. This process ensures that Bonchon maintains control over the construction and design aspects of its franchise locations, while still providing franchisees with a potential avenue to use their own preferred professionals, subject to Bonchon's approval and evaluation process.