Does Brown's Chicken have to approve the business classifications that a Browns Chicken franchisee uses in telephone directory advertising?
Browns_Chicken Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisee agrees to list and advertise the Store in each of the classified telephone directories distributed within its Territory, in such business classifications as Brown prescribes from time to time utilizing Brown's standard form of classified telephone directory advertisement. Prior to their use by Franchisee, samples of all local advertising and promotional materials not prepared or previously approved by Brown shall be submitted to Brown for approval. Promotional material includes but is not limited to materials and information provided by Franchisee
on a website or similar electronic medium. If written disapproval is not received by Franchisee within fifteen (15) days from the date of receipt by Brown of such materials, Brown shall be deemed to have given the required approval. Franchisee shall not use any advertising or promotional materials that Brown has disapproved.
Source: Item 22 — Contracts (FDD page 43)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Browns Chicken's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Browns Chicken franchisees are required to list and advertise their store in classified telephone directories within their territory. Browns Chicken also prescribes the business classifications that the franchisee must use. Additionally, franchisees must submit samples of all local advertising and promotional materials not prepared or previously approved by Browns Chicken for approval before use. If the franchisee does not receive written disapproval within 15 days of Browns Chicken receiving the materials, approval is considered to be granted. Franchisees are prohibited from using any advertising or promotional materials that Browns Chicken has disapproved.
This means that a prospective Browns Chicken franchisee must adhere to Browns Chicken's guidelines for business classifications in telephone directory advertising. They must also seek approval for any local advertising and promotional materials they create themselves, ensuring compliance with Browns Chicken's standards.
This requirement ensures brand consistency and quality control across all Browns Chicken locations. It also allows Browns Chicken to maintain a uniform image and message in the marketplace. While this may limit a franchisee's creative freedom, it also provides them with the benefit of Browns Chicken's expertise and experience in advertising and promotion. Franchisees should factor in the time needed to get approval for advertising materials.