Can a Buona franchisee modify the standard plans and specifications without written consent from the franchisor?

According to Buona's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are not allowed to make any changes to the standard plans and specifications without first getting written permission from Buona. The standard plans and specifications are initially provided in the Manual. However, the franchisee is responsible for obtaining further architectural and engineering services to prepare surveys, site and foundation plans, and to adapt the standard plans and specifications to applicable local or state laws, regulations or ordinances. The franchisee bears the cost of preparing plans containing deviations or modifications from the standard plans.

This requirement ensures that all Buona locations maintain a consistent brand image and operational standards. It allows Buona to control the quality and uniformity of its restaurants, which is a common practice in franchising. This protects the brand's reputation and ensures customers have a consistent experience across all locations.

While franchisees must adhere to the standard plans, they are responsible for adapting them to local regulations and site-specific requirements. This means a Buona franchisee will likely need to engage local architectural and engineering services, at their own expense, to ensure the restaurant complies with all local codes. This is a typical requirement, as franchise systems need to adapt to different locations and legal requirements.

In summary, a prospective Buona franchisee needs to be aware that while they must follow the franchisor's standard plans and specifications, they will also incur costs related to adapting those plans to local regulations. Obtaining written consent for any modifications is crucial to avoid violating the franchise agreement.