factual

What appearance standards must a Buona franchisee maintain?

Buona Franchise · 2025 FDD

Answer from 2025 FDD Document

s important to Franchisor, Franchisee and other franchisees so as to develop and maintain high and uniform operating standards, to increase the demand for Buona products and services and to protect the reputation and goodwill of Franchisor, the System and the Marks. Accordingly, Franchisee agrees that:

  • (a) Franchisee shall maintain, at all times during the Term, at Franchisee's expense, the premises of the Franchised Business and all fixtures, furnishings, signs, systems and equipment, in conformity with Franchisor's high standards and public image and to make such additions, alterations, improvements, repairs, and replacements (but no others, without Franchisor's prior written consent) as may be required by Franchisor from time to time, including but not limited to the following, at Franchisee's sole cost and expense:
  • i. To keep the Franchised Business in the highest degree of cleanliness, sanitation and repair, including but not limited to such periodic repainting, repairs or replacement of damaged or obsolete, furniture, fixtures and equipment, and replacement of obsolete signs, as Franchisor may reasonably direct;
  • ii. To meet and maintain the highest governmental standards and ratings applicable to the operation of the Franchised Business; and
  • iii. For the Franchised Business to be able to offer new products or services or to permit the Franchised Business to operate more efficiently.
  • (b) In addition to the maintenance described in (a) above, Franchisee must complete a full reimaging, renovation, refurbish and modernization of the Franchised Business, within the time frame required by Franchisor, including the building design, parking lot, landscaping, equipment, point of sale system, signs, interior and exterior decor items, fixtures, furnishings, trade dress, color scheme, presentation of trademarks and service marks, supplies and other products and materials, to meet the then-current design criteria for Buona Businesses, including but not limited to such structural changes, remodeling and redecoration and such modifications to existing improvements as may be necessary to do so (a "Franchised Business Renovation"). Franchisee shall only be required to conduct a Franchised Business Renovation once during the Term and shall not be required to perform a Franchised Business Renovation if there is less than one (1) year remaining in the Term. Nothing herein shall be deemed to limit Franchisee's other obligations during the Term to operate the Franchised Business in accordance with Franchisor's standards and specifications for the System including but not limited to the obligations set forth in this Article X.
  • 10.2 System Compliance. Franchisee shall operate the Franchised Business in strict conformity with such uniform methods, standards and specifications as Franchisor may from time to

time prescribe in the Manuals or otherwise in writing to insure that the highest degree of quality, service and cleanliness is uniformly maintained, and Franchisee shall refrain from any deviation from such methods, standards and specifications, and shall refrain from otherwise operating in any manner which reflects adversely on Franchisor's name and goodwill or on the Marks or the System. In connection therewith, Franchisee agrees as follows:

  • (a) To maintain in sufficient supply, and use at all times, only such ingredients, products, materials, supplies, and paper goods that conform to Franchisor's standards and specifications, and to refrain from deviating from such standards and specifications by using nonconforming items, without Franchisor's prior written consent, which Franchisor may withhold in its sole discretion;

Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 78)

What This Means (2025 FDD)

According to Buona's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must maintain a high standard of appearance and cleanliness to protect the brand's reputation. This includes maintaining the premises and all fixtures, furnishings, signs, systems, and equipment in accordance with Buona's standards. Franchisees are responsible for additions, alterations, improvements, repairs, and replacements as required by Buona.

Specifically, franchisees must keep the business in a high degree of cleanliness, sanitation, and repair, including repainting, repairing or replacing damaged or obsolete furniture, fixtures, and equipment, and replacing obsolete signs as directed by Buona. Franchisees must also meet and maintain the highest governmental standards applicable to the operation of the franchised business. Additionally, the location must be able to offer new products or services or operate more efficiently.

Buona requires franchisees to complete a full reimaging, renovation, refurbishment, and modernization of the franchised business within a specified timeframe. This includes updates to the building design, parking lot, landscaping, equipment, point of sale system, signs, interior and exterior decor items, fixtures, furnishings, trade dress, color scheme, presentation of trademarks and service marks, supplies, and other products and materials. This renovation ensures that each location meets the current design criteria for Buona businesses. However, a franchisee is only required to conduct such a renovation once during the term of the agreement, and not if there is less than one year remaining in the term.

Buona also emphasizes uniformity in standards of quality, cleanliness, appearance, and service. To ensure this, Buona may conduct periodic inspections of the business premises and evaluations of the products used and sold. Franchisees must purchase and install all improvements, furniture, fixtures, equipment, and signage as specified in the approved standard plans and specifications. They must also obtain written consent from Buona before installing any unapproved items on the premises.

Disclaimer: This information is extracted from the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document and is provided for research purposes only. It does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with a franchise attorney before making any investment decisions.