What computer hardware and software is a Browns Chicken franchisee required to purchase?
Browns_Chicken Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
. Franchisee shall not obstruct the display racks and will notify Brown when the supply of franchise literature is low. Franchisee will not be responsible for paying for any of the literature or for the installation of the display racks.
L. Computer.
Franchisee shall, throughout the term of this Agreement, maintain an active e-mail account and shall have access to the Internet for receiving bulletins, updates, and other information from Brown. Franchisee must have DSL or Broadband high speed internet access. Franchisee must purchase computer hardware and software, a monitor, and the services of an Internet service provider to enable Franchisee to access Brown's intranet system. Brown may require Franchisee to lease proprietary software from Brown or a third party designated by Brown, and to enter into a software License Agreement with Brown or such third party. Brown reserves the right, upon prior written notice to Franchisee, to access information and data produced by Franchisee's computer system.
Franchisee must obtain and maintain an operational fax machine, lap-top computer, and point of sale system (POS System). Franchisee must obtain its POS System and credit card processing from a vendor approved by Franchisor. Franchisee shall record all sales on the POS system as required by the Operations Manual, this Agreement, or as otherwise approved in writing by Brown. Brown reserves the right to access information and data pertaining to the Store produced by and/or stored on Franchisee's computer system. The information and data Brown may access includes that of any Third-Party Delivery Service companies through which customers purchase menu items from the Store.
Franchisee shall be solely responsible for protecting Franchisee's POS and computer systems from viruses, computer hackers and other computer-related and technology-related problems, and Franchisee releases Brown from all claims it may have as result of viruses, hackers or other computer-related or technology-related problems.
M. Communication with Brown.
In order for Brown to be able to communicate effectively with its franchisees on a bulk and/or individual basis, Franchisee agrees to maintain the equipment necessary for such communication. Currently, Brown relies on fax transmission and email communications, as well as other methods of communication. Franchisee agrees to maintain in the Store at all times
during the term of this Agreement, a fax machine in good operating condition, which must be set on "Automatic Receive," with a dedicated phone line.
Source: Item 22 — Contracts (FDD page 43)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Browns Chicken's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must maintain an active email account and have internet access to receive updates from Browns Chicken. Franchisees are required to have DSL or Broadband high-speed internet access. To access Browns Chicken's intranet system, franchisees must purchase computer hardware and software, along with a monitor, and contract with an internet service provider. Browns Chicken may require franchisees to lease proprietary software from Browns Chicken or a designated third party, which would necessitate entering into a software license agreement. Browns Chicken retains the right to access data from the franchisee's computer system with prior written notice.
In addition to the above, Browns Chicken franchisees must obtain and maintain an operational fax machine, a laptop computer, and a point of sale (POS) system. The POS system and credit card processing services must be acquired from a vendor approved by Browns Chicken. All sales must be recorded on the POS system as mandated by the Operations Manual, the Franchise Agreement, or as otherwise approved in writing by Browns Chicken. Browns Chicken also reserves the right to access store-related information and data produced or stored on the franchisee's computer system, including data from third-party delivery services.
Browns Chicken franchisees are solely responsible for protecting their POS and computer systems from viruses, hackers, and other technology-related issues. Franchisees release Browns Chicken from any claims resulting from such problems. Franchisees must also maintain the equipment necessary for effective communication with Browns Chicken, which currently includes a fax machine with automatic receive and a dedicated phone line, as well as email capabilities. As technology evolves, franchisees must comply with Browns Chicken's requirements as outlined in the Operating Manual to ensure effective communication.