If a Browns Chicken franchisee deviates from prescribed recipes, who is responsible for obtaining nutrition information?
Browns_Chicken Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisee acknowledges and agrees to strictly comply with the Brown's prescribed menu items, and to follow the recipes and food preparation methods exactly as set forth in the Operations Manual, for all products offered and sold in Franchisee's BROWN's Restaurant.
In the event Franchisee deviates from the prescribed recipes, ingredients, preparation methods, or menu boards, Franchisee shall be responsible for obtaining his/her own nutrition information in order to comply with applicable state and federal nutrition labeling requirements.
The previous sentence shall not be construed to permit Franchisee to deviate from said items, and such deviation shall be a default under this Franchise Agreement.
Franchisee shall indemnify Brown for any claims, damages, suits, judgments, fines, or any other losses incurred by Brown by virtue of Franchisee's failure to comply with this subparagraph.
Source: Item 22 — Contracts (FDD page 43)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Browns Chicken's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee deviates from the prescribed recipes, ingredients, preparation methods, or menu boards, they are responsible for obtaining their own nutrition information to comply with state and federal nutrition labeling requirements. This requirement ensures that Browns Chicken franchisees adhere to food and nutrition guidelines, particularly those mandated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the United States Department of Agriculture.
This stipulation does not grant permission for franchisees to deviate from the standard menu. Any deviation from the prescribed recipes and methods constitutes a breach of the Franchise Agreement. Browns Chicken emphasizes strict adherence to the recipes and food preparation methods outlined in the Operations Manual.
Furthermore, the franchisee is obligated to indemnify Browns Chicken against any claims, damages, suits, judgments, fines, or losses incurred by Browns Chicken due to the franchisee's failure to comply with these nutrition labeling requirements. This protects Browns Chicken from potential legal and financial repercussions resulting from a franchisee's non-compliance.