Does the Buona Franchise Acknowledgement Questionnaire require a signature from the franchise applicant?
Buona Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
inal 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.
| 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 require a signature from the franchise applicant. The questionnaire is designed to confirm that the prospective franchisee has received and reviewed critical documents and information related to the franchise opportunity.
The questionnaire includes a section specifically designated for the "Signature of Franchise Applicant" along with a space for the applicant to print their name and the date. This indicates that the applicant must formally acknowledge their responses by signing and dating the document. However, the FDD also states that prospective franchisees who reside in, or who intend to operate the franchised business in the State of California should not complete the questionnaire or respond to any of the questions contained within it.
It is important to note that the questionnaire must be signed and dated the same day the Franchise Agreement is signed, but not on the same day as the Receipt for the Franchise Disclosure Document. This timing is intended to ensure that the franchisee has had sufficient time to review the FDD and other relevant materials before committing to the franchise agreement. By requiring a signature, Buona aims to ensure that franchisees have carefully considered the questions and their responses, acknowledging their understanding of key aspects of the franchise agreement and their rights.