Regarding public announcements for Buff City Soap, what attestations are required?
Buff_City_Soap Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
No public communication, press release or announcement regarding this Agreement, the transactions contemplated hereby, any Franchise Agreement or Crisis Management Event will be made by Developer without Notice to Franchisor and Franchisor's prior approval of such communication, press release or announcement. Developer will not disclose the substance of this Agreement to any third party except Developer's employees, consultants, attorneys and accountants and except as necessary to obtain a lease or renewal or obtain any permit, license or other approvals, or to the extent required by the lawful order of any court of competent jurisdiction having jurisdiction over Developer or for any public disclosure otherwise required by Applicable Law.
Source: Item 18 — PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS. (FDD pages 186–204)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 FDD, Buff City Soap requires that franchisees or developers must provide notice to, and receive prior approval from, Buff City Soap before making any public communication, press release, or announcement regarding the franchise agreement, transactions, or any crisis management event. This requirement ensures that all public statements align with the brand's image and standards.
This means a Buff City Soap franchisee cannot independently issue press releases or make public statements about their franchise without the franchisor's consent. This control allows Buff City Soap to manage its public image and ensure consistent messaging across all franchise locations.
However, the franchisee or developer can disclose the substance of the agreement to their employees, consultants, attorneys, and accountants, as well as when necessary to obtain a lease, renewal, permit, license, or other approvals. Disclosure is also permitted if required by a lawful court order or by applicable law. This exception acknowledges the practical need for franchisees to share information in specific business and legal contexts.