If Bonchon institutes Co-Branding, can it involve changes to the Proprietary Marks of a Bonchon franchise?
Bonchon Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
In addition to modifications of the Bonchon System, we may at times co-brand one or more restaurant concepts which we or our affiliates operate with Bonchon System Restaurants and/or offer for sale in Bonchon System Restaurants products sold in businesses operated by us and/or our affiliates (collectively, "Co-Branding"). This Co-Branding may involve changes to the Proprietary Marks, and may require you to modify the building and premises of your Bonchon System Restaurant and the furnishing, fixtures, equipment, signs and trade dress at your Bonchon System Restaurant. If you receive written notice of our institution of Co-Branding, you must implement the Co-Branding at your franchised Business. The Franchise Agreement does not place any limit on our rights to require you to make changes for Co-Branding.
Source: Item 16 — RESTRICTIONS ON WHAT THE FRANCHISEE MAY SELL (FDD page 71)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bonchon's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the company may institute co-branding, which could involve changes to the Proprietary Marks. Co-branding refers to Bonchon combining its restaurant concept with other restaurant concepts operated by Bonchon or its affiliates, or offering products sold in businesses operated by them.
If Bonchon decides to implement co-branding, it may require franchisees to modify their restaurant's building, premises, furnishings, fixtures, equipment, signs, and trade dress. Franchisees will receive written notice if Bonchon decides to institute co-branding, and they must implement these changes at their franchised business.
Bonchon retains the right to require these changes for co-branding, and the Franchise Agreement does not limit this right. This means that a Bonchon franchisee must be prepared to adapt their restaurant's branding and physical appearance to accommodate any co-branding initiatives that Bonchon introduces.