Can a Brueggers Bagels franchisee start the permitting process before the drawings and specifications are approved?
Brueggers_Bagels Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
After your second Bakery is built and operational, you can
choose your own architect and general contractor, but we must approve the final drawings and specifications before you begin the permitting process. You cannot start the permitting process for the Bakery until we have approved the drawings and specifications, and once they have been approved they cannot be changed without our written consent.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, MANUALS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 32–42)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Brueggers Bagels's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee cannot begin the permitting process for their bakery until the franchisor has approved the final drawings and specifications. Furthermore, once these drawings and specifications have been approved by Brueggers Bagels, they cannot be altered without the franchisor's written consent.
This stipulation ensures that all Brueggers Bagels locations adhere to the brand's standardized design and operational requirements. It protects brand uniformity and consistency across all franchise locations.
For a prospective franchisee, this means that they must factor in the time required for Brueggers Bagels to review and approve the architectural plans before starting the permitting process. Any delays in obtaining approvals can potentially impact the overall timeline for opening the bakery. Franchisees need to work closely with approved architects and contractors, especially for their first two locations, to ensure compliance with Brueggers Bagels' standards and to facilitate a smooth approval process. This requirement is in place to ensure brand consistency and quality control, which are common practices in franchising.