factual

How must the royalty fee be paid to Browns Chicken?

Browns_Chicken Franchise · 2025 FDD

Answer from 2025 FDD Document

Type of Fee Amount Due Date Remarks
Royalty Fee on food sales1 5% of Gross Sales2 subject to modification as provided below. Weekly You must pay by automatic bank draft.
Video Gaming Royalty Fee 10% of gross sales from Video Gaming revenue. Weekly You must pay by automatic bank draft.
Advertising1 4% of Gross Sales2 Weekly You must pay by automatic bank draft. See Item 11 regarding the Advertising Fund.
Advertising from Video Gaming Sales 4% of gross sales from Video Gaming Weekly You must pay by automatic bank draft. See Item 11 regarding the Advertising Fund.
Additional Training for Franchisee As Brown determines from time to time. Will include reimbursement of Brown's expenses. At the time such training is provided. See Item 11.
Audit Cost of audit including reimbursement of all of Brown's expenses. At the time of audit. If you do not provide reports or other information as required and it is necessary to inspect or audit your books and records, or if you understate Gross Sales by more than 2%, you must pay all audit costs including attorneys' and accountants' fees.
Assignment or Transfer $5,000. Prior to consummation of transfer. You may not assign your interest without Brown's consent.
Additional Training for Assignee Trainee 20% of initial franchise fee. Prior to consummation of transfer. Any proposed assignee must be approved by Brown.
Renewal Fee $5,000 Upon renewal of Franchise Agreement
Interest Maximum rate for open account business under applicable law, or if none, then at 1.5% per month. As accrued. All amounts due Brown including royalty fees, advertising and cost of products, will accrue interest after the due date if not paid in full.
Expenses of Enforcement Actual expenses incurred by Brown including attorneys' fees. On demand by Brown. You must reimburse Brown for all expenses of enforcement of all agreements between you and Brown.
Type of Fee Amount Due Date Remarks
Indemnification All expenses incurred, including attorneys' fees and consequential damages. On demand by Brown. You must indemnify Brown and certain others against liability for claims arising out of operation of the Store.
Repairs or Insurance All expenses incurred. On demand by Brown. If you fail or refuse to maintain the Store or obtain insurance coverage as required by Brown, Brown may effect necessary repairs and obtain insurance at your expense. The costs to do so will be withdrawn from your bank account via automatic bank draft.
Store Development and Set Up Fee Up to $50,0003 When you sign the Franchise Agreement. See Note 3 below.
Lease Surcharge Up to 15% of the rent Brown pays When lease payments are due See Note 4 below.
Processing Fee $50 On demand by Brown Payable if your bank draft is dishonored for any reason
Penalty for Non- $100 per day Upon demand See Note 5 below.
Compliance with
Franchise
Agreement
Testing Fee Our costs Upon demand If you request us to evaluate a supplier that we have not previously evaluated
Document Name $500 Upon demand If you request us to alter, add or modify the
Change Fee name or identity of the Franchisee
Liquidated $10,000 Upon demand Payable only if you abandon your Store or
Damaged transfer it without our consent

Source: Item 6 — OTHER FEES (FDD pages 13–15)

What This Means (2025 FDD)

According to Browns Chicken's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the royalty fee, which is 5% of gross sales, must be paid weekly via automatic bank draft. This means that Browns Chicken franchisees are required to authorize Browns Chicken to directly withdraw the royalty payments from their bank accounts on a weekly basis.

This payment method ensures that Browns Chicken receives royalty payments promptly and consistently. For the franchisee, it means that they must maintain sufficient funds in their bank account to cover the weekly royalty fees to avoid penalties such as interest, which accrues on all amounts due to Browns Chicken, including royalty fees, if not paid in full. The interest is charged at the maximum rate for open account business under applicable law, or if none, then at 1.5% per month.

Automatic bank drafts are a fairly common practice in franchising for royalty and advertising fee payments. This system reduces the administrative burden for both the franchisor and franchisee, minimizing the risk of late payments and associated complications. However, franchisees should carefully monitor their sales and bank balances to ensure accurate and timely royalty payments, as dishonored bank drafts may result in additional processing fees.

Disclaimer: This information is extracted from the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document and is provided for research purposes only. It does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with a franchise attorney before making any investment decisions.