What aspects of equipment, fixtures, furniture, and signs are covered in the Browns Chicken franchise agreement?
Browns_Chicken Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisee agrees to do, or cause to be done, the following:
- (1) Prepare suitable architectural plans and specifications and a site survey for the Store at the Premises, in accordance with Brown's requirements for dimensions, exterior design, materials, parking area, interior layout, equipment, fixtures, furniture, and signs and decorating of a BROWN'S Store and conforming to all applicable ordinances, building, and zoning codes, permit requirements, and lease requirements and restrictions, which plans and specifications must be submitted to and approved in advance by Brown;
- (3) Purchase or lease and install all equipment, fixtures, furniture, and signs required for the Store;
If, at any time, in Brown's reasonable judgment, the general state of repair or the appearance of the Premises or the Store's equipment, fixtures, furniture, signs or decor does not meet Brown's standards therefor, Brown shall so notify Franchisee, specifying the action to be taken by Franchisee to correct such deficiency. If Franchisee fails or refuses to initiate within thirty (30) days after receipt of notice from Brown, and thereafter continue in good faith and with due diligence, a bona-fide program to undertake any required maintenance or refurbishing, Brown shall have the right to enter upon the Premises and effect such maintenance or refurbishing on behalf of Franchisee, and Franchisee shall pay the entire costs thereof on demand.
Franchisee shall make no material alterations to the leasehold improvements of the Store, nor shall Franchisee make material replacements of or alterations to the equipment, fixtures, furniture, or signs of the Store, without prior written approval by Brown.
Franchisee agrees to use in the operation of the Store only those brands, types and/or models of equipment for the preparation, dispensing, storage, display and delivery of food and beverages, cash registers, fax machine, lap-top computer, and other equipment, fixtures, furniture, and signs that Brown has approved as meeting its specifications and standards.
Brown's specifications and standards may include minimum standards for design, appearance, function, performance, serviceability and warranties.
(7) use and illumination of signs, posters, displays, menu boards and similar items;
Source: Item 22 — Contracts (FDD page 43)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Browns Chicken's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchise agreement covers several aspects of equipment, fixtures, furniture, and signs. Browns Chicken must approve the architectural plans and specifications for the store, including dimensions, exterior design, materials, parking area, interior layout, equipment, fixtures, furniture, and signs. Franchisees are responsible for purchasing or leasing and installing all required equipment, fixtures, furniture, and signs for the store.
Browns Chicken has the right to inspect the store's equipment, fixtures, furniture, signs, and decor, and if they do not meet Browns Chicken's standards, the franchisee must correct the deficiency. If the franchisee fails to do so, Browns Chicken can perform the maintenance or refurbishing at the franchisee's expense. Franchisees must obtain prior written approval from Browns Chicken before making any material replacements or alterations to the equipment, fixtures, furniture, or signs of the store.
Franchisees must use only the brands, types, and models of equipment, fixtures, furniture, and signs that Browns Chicken has approved as meeting its specifications and standards. These standards may include minimum requirements for design, appearance, function, performance, serviceability, and warranties. If a franchisee wants to use a brand, type, or model not already approved, they must submit specifications and other information to Browns Chicken for approval. Browns Chicken also controls the use and illumination of signs, posters, displays, menu boards and similar items.