Can a Buona franchisee deviate from the Franchisor's standards for preparing or selling menu items?
Buona Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
(a) To maintain in sufficient supply, and use at all times, only such ingredients, products, materials, supplies, and paper goods that conform to Franchisor's standards and specifications, and to refrain from deviating from such standards and specifications by using nonconforming items, without Franchisor's prior written consent, which Franchisor may withhold in its sole discretion;
(b) To sell or offer for sale only such products and menu items that have been expressly approved for sale in writing by Franchisor, and that meet Franchisor's uniform standards of quality and quantity and have been prepared in accordance with Franchisor's methods and techniques for product preparation; including Franchisor's recipes, cooking techniques and processes as designated in the Manual.
Franchisee shall not alter, dilute, substitute or otherwise change the quality or composition of any ingredients and materials.
Franchisee acknowledges that such recipes, cooking techniques and processes are integral to the System and failure to adhere to such recipes, cooking techniques and processes (including the handling and storage of both ingredients and fully prepared menu items) shall be detrimental to the System and Marks;
- (c) To sell or offer for sale the minimum menu items specified in the Manual
or otherwise in writing;
- (d) To refrain from any deviation from Franchisor's standards and specifications for preparing, serving or selling the menu items, without Franchisor's prior written consent, which Franchisor may withhold in its sole discretion;
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 78–356)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Buona's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must adhere strictly to the franchisor's standards and specifications when preparing, serving, or selling menu items. A franchisee cannot deviate from these standards without obtaining prior written consent from Buona. This consent can be withheld at Buona's discretion.
Buona requires franchisees to use only ingredients, products, materials, supplies, and paper goods that conform to Buona's standards and specifications. Franchisees must also sell or offer for sale only products and menu items that have been expressly approved in writing by Buona. These items must meet Buona's uniform standards of quality and quantity and be prepared according to Buona's methods and techniques, including recipes, cooking techniques, and processes as outlined in the manual. Franchisees are prohibited from altering, diluting, substituting, or otherwise changing the quality or composition of any ingredients and materials.
These recipes, cooking techniques, and processes are considered integral to the Buona system, and failure to adhere to them, including the proper handling and storage of ingredients and prepared menu items, can be detrimental to the brand. Franchisees must also sell or offer for sale the minimum menu items specified in the manual or in writing. This ensures consistency and protects the brand's reputation across all franchise locations.