Is a Buona franchisee required to purchase, install, and construct all improvements at their own expense?
Buona Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- (i) To purchase, install and construct, at Franchisee's expense, all improvements,
furniture, fixtures, equipment and signage specified in the approved standard plans and specifications, and such other furnishings, fixtures, equipment and signage as Franchisor may direct from time to time in the Manuals or otherwise in writing, and to refrain from installing or permitting to be installed on or about the premises of the Franchised Business, without Franchisor's written consent, any improvements, furniture, fixtures, equipment or signage not first approved in writing by Franchisor in its sole discretion;
(a) Franchisee shall maintain, at all times during the Term, at Franchisee's expense, the premises of the Franchised Business and all fixtures, furnishings, signs, systems and equipment, in conformity with Franchisor's high standards and public image and to make such additions, alterations, improvements, repairs, and replacements (but no others, without Franchisor's prior written consent) as may be required by Franchisor from time to time, including but not limited to the following, at Franchisee's sole cost and expense:
(b) In addition to the maintenance described in (a) above, Franchisee must complete a full reimaging, renovation, refurbish and modernization of the Franchised Business, within the time frame required by Franchisor, including the building design, parking lot, landscaping, equipment, point of sale system, signs, interior and exterior decor items, fixtures, furnishings, trade dress, color scheme, presentation of trademarks and service marks, supplies and other products and materials, to meet the then-current design criteria for Buona Businesses, including but not limited to such structural changes, remodeling and redecoration and such modifications to existing improvements as may be necessary to do so (a "Franchised Business Renovation").
Franchisee shall only be required to conduct a Franchised Business Renovation once during the Term and shall not be required to perform a Franchised Business Renovation if there is less than one (1) year remaining in the Term.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 78)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Buona's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are generally responsible for covering the costs of purchasing, installing, and constructing improvements for their franchise. Specifically, the franchisee must purchase, install, and construct all improvements, furniture, fixtures, equipment, and signage as specified in the approved standard plans and specifications. They must also acquire any other furnishings, fixtures, equipment, and signage as directed by Buona in the manuals or in writing.
Buona franchisees are required to maintain the premises and all fixtures, furnishings, signs, systems, and equipment at their own expense throughout the term of the franchise agreement. This includes making necessary additions, alterations, improvements, repairs, and replacements to meet Buona's standards and public image. These responsibilities extend to maintaining cleanliness, sanitation, and repair, meeting governmental standards, and enabling the business to offer new products or services.
Moreover, franchisees are obligated to complete a full reimaging, renovation, refurbishment, and modernization of the franchised business within a timeframe required by Buona. This includes updates to the building design, parking lot, landscaping, equipment, point of sale system, signs, interior and exterior decor, fixtures, furnishings, trade dress, color scheme, presentation of trademarks, supplies, and other materials. These renovations must meet the current design criteria for Buona businesses, potentially involving structural changes, remodeling, and modifications to existing improvements. However, a Franchised Business Renovation is only required once during the term, and not if there is less than one year remaining in the term.