Is a Buona franchisee required to remodel their franchised business as a condition of renewal?
Buona Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ement and Manuals (as defined in Article VII), or otherwise in writing including but not limited to such structural changes, remodeling and redecoration and such modifications to existing improvement as may be necessary to do so;
- (h) Franchisee and its manager(s) comply with Franchisor's then-current training requirements and attend such refresher training classes as Franchisor deems necessary.
- (i) Franchisee maintains possession of the premises of the Approved Location, or if Franchisee is unable to maintain possession of the Approved Location, secures an approved substitute and agrees to expeditiously develop the substitute premises in compliance with the then current standards and specification for the developme
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 78)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
The 2025 Buona Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) does not explicitly state that remodeling is required as a condition of renewal. However, the FDD does state that the franchisee must maintain the premises to Buona's standards.
Specifically, during the term of the franchise agreement, the franchisee is responsible for maintaining the premises of the franchised business, including all fixtures, furnishings, signs, systems, and equipment, to meet Buona's high standards. This includes making necessary additions, alterations, improvements, repairs, and replacements as required by Buona. A franchisee must also complete a full reimaging, renovation, refurbishing, and modernization of the franchised business, 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. However, this renovation is only required once during the term, and not if there is less than one year remaining in the term.
While these renovations are required during the term of the agreement, the FDD does not explicitly state that these renovations are required for renewal. The FDD does state that the franchisee must comply with Buona's then-current training requirements, maintain possession of the premises, and pay a renewal fee of $7,500 at least 30 days prior to signing the renewal agreement to be eligible for renewal.
To clarify whether specific remodeling or updates are required for renewal, a prospective franchisee should directly ask Buona about any specific requirements or expectations related to facility upgrades or image standards as part of the renewal process. This will help in understanding the full scope of investment and obligations associated with continuing the franchise agreement.