If a Browns Chicken franchisee independently secures a celebrity endorsement, can they use it?
Browns_Chicken Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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 18 — PUBLIC FIGURES (FDD page 39)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Browns Chicken Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must obtain approval from Browns Chicken for all local advertising and promotional materials not already prepared or approved by Browns Chicken. This includes materials and information provided by the franchisee on a website or similar electronic medium. Franchisees must submit samples of these materials to Browns Chicken for approval, and if written disapproval is not received within fifteen days of receipt by Browns Chicken, approval is deemed to have been given. However, franchisees are prohibited from using any advertising or promotional materials that Browns Chicken has disapproved.
This means that if a Browns Chicken franchisee independently secures a celebrity endorsement, they cannot use it without first submitting the advertising or promotional materials featuring the endorsement to Browns Chicken for approval. Browns Chicken has the right to disapprove any such materials, and the franchisee would be prohibited from using them. This requirement ensures that all advertising and promotional materials used by Browns Chicken franchisees align with the brand's overall marketing strategy and standards.
This level of control over advertising and promotional materials is common in franchising, as it helps maintain brand consistency and protect the brand's image. Prospective Browns Chicken franchisees should be aware of this requirement and factor it into their marketing plans. They should also be prepared to work with Browns Chicken to ensure that their advertising and promotional materials are compliant with the franchisor's standards and policies.