For a Buns On Fire franchise, what is the relationship between purchasing from approved suppliers and maintaining the franchised business to the franchisor's standards?
Buns_On_Fire Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
(i.) In connection with the operation of the Franchised Business, the Franchisee is required to purchase certain items of equipment, if applicable, and also certain products and food supplies, containers, packaging supplies, paper goods and other product service items for the preparation
and service of the Products from sources designated by the Franchisor. Franchisee's obligations under this shall be satisfied so long as Franchisee equips the Franchised Business and keeps it maintained in accordance with Franchisor's strict specifications and standards for the Franchised Business.
- (ii.) In the event that Franchisee proposes to purchase any brand, type, and/or model of products, supplies, or services which are not then approved by Franchisor, Franchisee will first notify Franchisor and will submit to Franchisor, on Franchisor's request, sufficient written specifications, photographs, drawings, samples, and/or other information for a determination by Franchisor of whether the brand, type, and/or model of products, supplies, or services complies with Franchisor's specifications and standards, which determination will be made and communicated to Franchisee in writing within sixty (60) days after receipt of the necessary samples and information.
In the event Franchisor does not respond within sixty (60) days Franchisee's request is deemed denied.
Franchisor does not make the criteria for approving suppliers available to franchisees.
Franchisor may approve or disapprove a supplier or item in Franchisor's sole discretion.
Franchisor may charge the Franchisee a reasonable testing fee and will decide within a reasonable time after receiving the required information whether Franchisee may purchase items from such supplier.
Upon Franchisor's approval of your proposed item and/or supplier, Franchisor will permit Franchisee to contract with the alternative supplier.
Franchisor may revoke approval of a supplier or a particular item at any time in Franchisor's sole discretion by notifying Franchisee and/or the supplier in writing of the revocation of approval.
- (iii.) In connection with the operation of the Franchised Business, the Franchisee is required to purchase certain other products, beverages and other similar products and other items offered for consumption as stated in the Confidential Operations Manual.
Franchisee's obligation under this Section 8.7 shall be satisfied so long as Franchisee purchases the stated products from sources of supply designated by Franchisor.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 49–200)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Buns On Fire Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must purchase specific items, including equipment, food supplies, containers, packaging, and paper goods, from sources that Buns On Fire designates. A franchisee's obligation to adhere to Buns On Fire's standards is met when the franchisee equips and maintains the franchised business according to Buns On Fire's specifications.
If a Buns On Fire franchisee wants to purchase products, supplies, or services from a supplier not already approved by Buns On Fire, the franchisee must first notify Buns On Fire and submit detailed information about the proposed supplier and products. Buns On Fire will then determine if the proposed items meet their standards and specifications. Buns On Fire has 60 days to make this determination and communicate it to the franchisee. If Buns On Fire fails to respond within 60 days, the request is considered denied.
Buns On Fire does not disclose the criteria for approving suppliers to franchisees and retains the sole discretion to approve or disapprove a supplier or item. Buns On Fire may charge a reasonable testing fee to the franchisee for evaluating the proposed supplier or item. Even after approval, Buns On Fire can revoke the approval of a supplier or a specific item at any time by notifying the franchisee in writing. Franchisees are also required to purchase certain other products, beverages, and similar items offered for consumption from sources designated by Buns On Fire, as detailed in the Confidential Operations Manual.