What is a Buona franchisee required to do before using any improvements to the System they develop?
Buona Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
(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:
i.
To keep the Franchised Business in the highest degree of cleanliness, sanitation and repair, including but not limited to such periodic repainting, repairs or replacement of damaged or obsolete, furniture, fixtures and equipment, and replacement of obsolete signs, as Franchisor may reasonably direct;
- ii.
To meet and maintain the highest governmental standards and ratings applicable to the operation of the Franchised Business; and
- iii.
For the Franchised Business to be able to offer new products or services or to permit the Franchised Business to operate more efficiently.
- (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").
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 78)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
Based on the 2025 Buona Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee must obtain Buona's prior written consent before making any additions, alterations, improvements, repairs, or replacements to the franchised business premises, including fixtures, furnishings, signs, systems, and equipment. This requirement ensures that all changes align with Buona's high standards and public image.
This stipulation is in place to maintain uniformity across all Buona locations and to protect the brand's reputation. By requiring prior approval, Buona can ensure that any modifications or improvements made by a franchisee do not negatively impact the overall customer experience or deviate from the established brand standards. This control helps Buona maintain a consistent and recognizable brand identity.
For a prospective Buona franchisee, this means that any ideas for improving or altering the business location must be submitted to Buona for review and approval. While franchisees are responsible for maintaining and updating their locations, they cannot independently implement changes without the franchisor's consent. This requirement is a standard practice in franchising, designed to protect the integrity and uniformity of the brand. Franchisees need to factor in the time and potential costs associated with seeking and obtaining approval for any proposed changes to their business.
This requirement also extends to full reimaging, renovation, refurbishing, and modernization of the Franchised Business. Franchisees must complete these renovations within the time frame required by Buona, including changes to 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.