What must a Browns Chicken franchisee do if they propose to purchase a product not approved by Browns Chicken?
Browns_Chicken Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
If Franchisee proposes to purchase and use in the operation of the Store, or to offer for sale at or from the Store any type or brand of product which is not then approved by Brown as meeting its specifications and standards or to purchase any product from a supplier that is not then an approved supplier, Franchisee shall first notify Brown and shall, upon request by Brown, submit such information, specifications and samples as Brown requests for examination and/or testing or to otherwise determine whether such type or brand of product or such proposed supplier meets its specifications and standards. Brown shall have the right to charge Franchisee a reasonable fee to cover Brown's costs incurred in making such determination. Brown shall notify Franchisee, within a reasonable time, whether it approves such proposed type or brand of product or such proposed supplier. Brown may from time to time prescribe procedures for the submission of requests for approved types or brands of products or approved suppliers and obligations which approved suppliers must assume.
Source: Item 22 — Contracts (FDD page 43)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Browns Chicken's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee wants to purchase a product or from a supplier not already approved by Browns Chicken, they must first notify Browns Chicken of their intentions. Upon request from Browns Chicken, the franchisee must submit any information, specifications, and samples that Browns Chicken requires to evaluate the proposed product or supplier.
Browns Chicken has the right to charge the franchisee a reasonable fee to cover the costs incurred during the determination process of whether the product or supplier meets their standards. Browns Chicken will then notify the franchisee within a reasonable time whether the proposed product or supplier is approved.
Browns Chicken may also prescribe procedures for submitting requests for approved products or suppliers and the obligations that approved suppliers must meet. This process ensures that all products used and sold at Browns Chicken locations meet the franchisor's standards for quality, consistency, and brand uniformity. This also allows Browns Chicken to maintain control over its supply chain and potentially negotiate better deals with suppliers, benefiting both the franchisor and the franchisees.