Does the Buona Franchise Acknowledgement Questionnaire require honest responses to each question?
Buona Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
As you know Chicago's Original Italian Beef Franchising, LLC (we" or "us"), and you are preparing to enter into a Franchise Agreement for the operation of a Buona Franchise. You cannot sign or date this Questionnaire the same day as the Receipt for the Franchise Disclosure Document but you must sign and date it the same day you sign the Franchise Agreement. Please review each of the following questions carefully and provide honest responses to each question. If you answer "No" to any of the questions below, please explain your answer on the next page.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 78)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Buona's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Franchise Acknowledgement Questionnaire requires prospective franchisees to provide honest responses to each question. The questionnaire is designed to confirm that the franchisee has received and understood key documents and information related to the franchise agreement.
The questionnaire includes a series of yes/no questions regarding receipt of the Franchise Disclosure Document, the Franchise Agreement, and related exhibits. It also covers topics such as communication with existing Buona franchisees, independent investigation of the business, and understanding of dispute resolution processes. If a franchisee answers "No" to any question, they are required to provide an explanation on the form.
This requirement for honest responses is a standard practice in franchising, intended to ensure that franchisees are fully informed and aware of their obligations and rights before entering into a franchise agreement. By signing the questionnaire, the franchisee acknowledges their understanding of the key aspects of the franchise relationship. However, the Virginia addendum specifies that no statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgment signed by a franchisee can waive claims under state franchise law, including fraud, or disclaim reliance on franchisor statements.