What happens if Bonchon does not respond to a Bonchon franchisee's request to use an alternative architect within the allotted timeframe?
Bonchon Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
strict accordance with any specifications concerning the item which we have issued in the Manuals or otherwise. You must obtain our advance written consent before deviating in any fashion from our specifications.
You must, at your expense, engage the services of the AOR we require to prepare the construction and design plans for the development and construction of your Restaurant. If you would like to use an alternate architect, 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) an evaluation fee in the amount of $2,500 ("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
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 designated by Bonchon for the construction and design plans of their restaurant. However, a franchisee can request to use an alternative architect. To do so, the franchisee must submit the name of the proposed architect and any other information Bonchon requires to assess whether the architect meets their standards. The franchisee must also pay a nonrefundable Architect Evaluation Fee.
Bonchon will then review the request and communicate its decision within three weeks of receiving all necessary information. The Architect Evaluation Fee is $2,500. If Bonchon fails to respond within this three-week timeframe, the franchisee is prohibited from using the proposed alternative architect.
This policy means that a Bonchon franchisee cannot assume approval if they do not hear back within the specified time. Instead, the lack of response is treated as a denial, and the franchisee must use Bonchon's designated architect. This places the onus on Bonchon to respond within the timeframe, but also creates a risk for the franchisee who may have been hoping to use their own architect and has already paid the nonrefundable evaluation fee.