Can the Buns On Fire franchisor approve or disapprove a supplier at their discretion?
Buns_On_Fire Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 49–200)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Buns On Fire Franchise Disclosure Document, Buns On Fire has the authority to approve or disapprove suppliers at their sole discretion. This means that franchisees are generally required to purchase equipment, products, and food supplies from sources that Buns On Fire designates.
If a franchisee wants to use a supplier that isn't already approved, they must first notify Buns On Fire and provide all necessary specifications, samples, and information for Buns On Fire to evaluate whether the supplier meets their standards. Buns On Fire will then make a decision within 60 days of receiving the required information. If Buns On Fire doesn't respond within this timeframe, the request is considered denied. Buns On Fire does not disclose the criteria for approving suppliers to franchisees.
Even if Buns On Fire approves a supplier, they can revoke this approval at any time by notifying the franchisee or the supplier in writing. The franchisee is also required to purchase certain other products, beverages, and similar items from suppliers designated by Buns On Fire, as outlined in the Confidential Operations Manual. This gives Buns On Fire significant control over the supply chain and product quality within the franchise system.