If a Browns Chicken franchisee proposes to purchase or lease any non-approved equipment, what must they do?
Browns_Chicken Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
If you propose to purchase or lease any brand, type and/or model of equipment, fixture, furniture or sign not then approved by Brown, you must first notify Brown in writing, and must submit to Brown upon its request sufficient specifications, photographs, drawings and/or other information or samples for a determination by Brown of whether such brand, type and/or model of equipment, fixture, furniture or sign meets its specifications and standards. Brown shall notify you within a reasonable time whether it approves such brand, type and/or model of equipment, fixture, furniture or sign. The time in which Brown will approve or disapprove the proposed brand, type and/or model of equipment, fixture, furniture or sign will be between 2 to 6 months, depending on the specific proposed equipment, fixture, furniture, sign or supplier, the speed with which the supplier responds to Brown's requests, and other factors.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 19–22)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Browns Chicken's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee wants to purchase or lease equipment, fixtures, furniture, or signs that are not already approved by Browns Chicken, they must first notify Browns Chicken in writing. The franchisee must then submit sufficient specifications, photographs, drawings, and/or other information or samples that Browns Chicken requests to determine if the proposed item meets their standards.
Browns Chicken will then evaluate the submitted information to determine if the proposed equipment meets their specifications and standards. Browns Chicken will notify the franchisee within a reasonable time whether the proposed equipment is approved.
The FDD states that the time frame for Browns Chicken to approve or disapprove the proposed equipment will be between 2 to 6 months. This time frame depends on factors such as the specific equipment, the supplier, how quickly the supplier responds to Browns Chicken's requests, and other considerations. This extended period could potentially delay the opening or upgrading of a Browns Chicken franchise location if the franchisee's preferred equipment requires approval.