Does the Buona Franchise Acknowledgement Questionnaire ask if it's understood that the initial training course must be satisfactorily completed?
Buona Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| l. | Yes | No | Have you received the completed Franchise Agreement and each exhibit attached to it? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2. | Yes | No | Have you received the Franchise Disclosure Document we provided? |
| 3. | Yes | No | If you are purchasing a Buona/Rainbow Cone Dual Brand franchise, did you also receive the Five Flavors Franchising, LLC Franchise Disclosure Document? |
| 4. | Yes | No | Did you sign a receipt for the Franchise Disclosure Document (or both of them) indicating the date you received it? |
| 5. | Yes | No | Did the receipt for the Franchise Disclosure Document identify the franchise sellers with which you have had discussions about the franchise opportunity? |
| 6. | Yes | No | If you are entering into an Area Development Agreement, have you received the completed Area Development Agreement and each exhibit? |
| 7. | Yes | No | Have you spoken with existing Buona franchisees about the Buona Business? |
| 8. | Yes | No | Have you conducted an independent investigation of a Buona Business? |
| 9. | Yes | No | Do you understand all disputes or claims you may have arising out of or relating to the Franchise Agreement must be arbitrated in Illinois, if not resolved informally or by mediation? |
| 10. | Yes | No | Do you understand that you must satisfactorily complete the initial training course before we will allow your franchised business to open or consent to a transfer? |
| Signature of Franchise Applicant | Signature of Franchise Applicant | ||
| ---------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------- | ||
| Name (please print) | Name (please print) | ||
| Date | Date | ||
| EXPLANATION OF ANY NEGATIVE RESPONSES (REFER TO QUESTION NUMBER): | |||
| Questionnaire Number | Explanation of Negative Response | ||
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 78)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Buona's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Franchise Acknowledgement Questionnaire does address the satisfactory completion of the initial training course. Specifically, question number 10 on the questionnaire asks: "Do you understand that you must satisfactorily complete the initial training course before we will allow your franchised business to open or consent to a transfer?" This question requires the prospective franchisee to acknowledge their understanding of this critical requirement.
This acknowledgement is important because it confirms that the franchisee is aware that they cannot open their Buona franchise or transfer ownership until they have successfully completed the initial training program. This protects Buona by ensuring all franchisees meet their standards.
Prospective franchisees should carefully consider this requirement and ensure they are prepared to commit the time and effort necessary to complete the training program to Buona's satisfaction. Failure to do so could delay the opening of their franchise or even prevent them from operating it altogether. This requirement is fairly standard in the franchise industry, as franchisors need to ensure consistent quality and service across all locations.