What are the Browns Chicken franchisee's obligations regarding computer communication?
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 have several obligations related to computer and communication systems. Browns Chicken requires franchisees to maintain an active email account and have access to high-speed internet (DSL or Broadband) to receive updates and bulletins from the company. Franchisees must purchase computer hardware and software, including a monitor, and secure the services of an internet service provider to access Browns Chicken's intranet system. Browns Chicken may also require franchisees to lease proprietary software from Browns Chicken or a designated third party, which would involve entering into a software license agreement. Browns Chicken retains the right to access information and data produced by the franchisee's computer system with prior written notice.
Browns Chicken franchisees must also obtain and maintain an operational fax machine, laptop computer, and a point-of-sale (POS) system. The POS system and credit card processing must be obtained from a vendor approved by Browns Chicken. Franchisees are required to record all sales on the POS system as specified in the Operations Manual, the Franchise Agreement, or as otherwise approved in writing by Browns Chicken. Browns Chicken reserves the right to access information and data pertaining to the store that is produced or stored on the franchisee's computer system, including data from third-party delivery service companies.
Furthermore, the Browns Chicken franchisee is solely responsible for protecting their POS and computer systems from viruses, computer hackers, and other technology-related problems. The franchisee releases Browns Chicken from any claims resulting from such issues. To ensure effective communication, the franchisee must maintain a fax machine in good operating condition, set on "Automatic Receive," with a dedicated phone line. As technology advances, the franchisee is expected to comply with Browns Chicken's requirements as outlined in the Operating Manual to facilitate communication.