Who has the discretion to withhold consent for a Buona franchisee to use nonconforming items?

According to Buona's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisor has the sole discretion to withhold consent for a franchisee to alter or modify the System, the Franchised Business, or any products, supplies, or equipment. This means a franchisee cannot make any changes to the established business model, products, or required items without first obtaining written approval from Buona.

This provision is crucial for maintaining uniformity and quality control across all Buona locations. By retaining the right to approve or deny changes, Buona ensures that all franchisees adhere to the brand's standards and protect the overall reputation of the franchise system. This control extends to all aspects of the business, from the menu items offered to the equipment used in the kitchen.

For a prospective franchisee, this means they must be prepared to operate the business strictly according to Buona's established guidelines. Any desire to introduce new products, modify existing ones, or use alternative equipment must be submitted to Buona for approval, and there is no guarantee that such requests will be granted. This is a standard practice in franchising, as it allows the franchisor to maintain brand consistency and protect the value of the franchise system.