Is a Buona franchisee allowed to offer any gift card or loyalty program other than the official one?
Buona Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisee agrees:
(a) to offer for sale gift cards and/or the loyalty program, which must be in the form and version designated by Franchisor ("Official Gift Card/Loyalty Program"), as it may be amended from time to time;
(b) not to offer for sale or give away any form of Gift Card or Loyalty Program other than the Official Gift Card/Loyalty Program;
(c) not to create Franchisee's own Gift Card or Loyalty Program;
(d) to accept and honor the Official Gift Card/Loyalty Program in exchange for product when presented for redemption at Franchisee's Store;
(e) to obtain and maintain whatever is the currently designated equipment and/or software necessary to process the authorized Gift Cards/Loyalty Program, which may be through a Mobile Application; and
(f) to comply with any policy promulgated by Franchisor regarding changes to the form and use of Gift Card/Loyalty Program, including transition periods for the phasing in of modifications to the Official Gift Card/Loyalty Program.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 78–356)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Buona's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are explicitly prohibited from offering any gift card or loyalty program other than the official one designated by Buona. This is to ensure uniformity and maintain brand consistency across all franchise locations.
The agreement specifies that franchisees must offer for sale the official gift cards and/or loyalty program in the form and version designated by Buona, which may be amended from time to time. Franchisees are not allowed to create their own gift card or loyalty program. They are also obligated to accept and honor the official gift card/loyalty program when presented for redemption at their store.
This requirement extends to obtaining and maintaining the necessary equipment and/or software to process the authorized gift cards/loyalty program, potentially through a mobile application. Furthermore, franchisees must comply with any policy changes made by Buona regarding the form and use of the gift card/loyalty program, including any transition periods for implementing modifications.