Who is responsible for liabilities arising from a Buff City Soap franchisee's failure to maintain the Makery?
Buff_City_Soap Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisee must at all times maintain the interior and exterior of the Makery Premises and the surrounding area in good condition and repair and comply with the Standards for cleanliness, organization and sanitation of the Makery.
Franchisee is solely responsible for maintenance, repair and replacement where necessary to maintain the Makery in accordance with the Standards and for any liabilities arising from Franchisee's failure to comply with the terms and conditions of this Section 7(b).
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 69–186)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Buff City Soap's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee is solely responsible for liabilities arising from their failure to maintain the Makery. The franchisee must maintain both the interior and exterior of the Makery premises, including the surrounding area, in good condition and repair. This includes complying with Buff City Soap's standards for cleanliness, organization, and sanitation.
This means that if a customer or employee is injured due to poor maintenance, or if the Makery incurs fines or penalties due to non-compliance with health and safety standards, the franchisee will be held liable. This responsibility extends to all necessary maintenance, repairs, and replacements required to keep the Makery in accordance with Buff City Soap's standards.
This allocation of responsibility is typical in franchising, where franchisees are generally responsible for the day-to-day operations and maintenance of their individual locations. Prospective Buff City Soap franchisees should carefully review the brand's standards for Makery maintenance to fully understand their obligations and potential liabilities.