May Browns Chicken sell or lease used equipment to franchisees?
Browns_Chicken Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Brown has in the past, and may in the future, sell at a reduced fee or lease, used equipment to Franchisees. Brown's ability to lease or sell such equipment is subject to the availability of such used equipment packages. 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, Browns Chicken has the option to sell or lease used equipment to franchisees. The FDD states that Browns Chicken has done so in the past and may do so in the future, with the ability to lease or sell used equipment being "subject to the availability of such used equipment packages."
Prospective franchisees should note that while Browns Chicken may offer used equipment, it is not obligated to do so. The availability of such equipment is not guaranteed and depends on Browns Chicken's existing inventory. If a franchisee is interested in purchasing or leasing used equipment, they should inquire about its availability and condition.
Beyond used equipment, franchisees are generally free to source approved equipment brands and models from any supplier, except for the POS system, which has specific requirements detailed in Item 11 of the FDD. However, if a franchisee wishes to use a brand, type, or model of equipment not already approved by Browns Chicken, they must submit a written request with detailed specifications for approval. Browns Chicken will then evaluate the proposed equipment to ensure it meets their standards, a process that can take between 2 to 6 months.