What is the Buona franchisee's obligation regarding the landscaping of the Franchised Business?
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:
(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.
Nothing herein shall be deemed to limit Franchisee's other obligations during the Term to operate the Franchised Business in accordance with Franchisor's standards and specifications for the System including but not limited to the obligations set forth in this Article X.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 78)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Buona's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee is responsible for maintaining the landscaping of the franchised business. The franchisee must maintain the premises to meet Buona's standards and public image. This includes making necessary additions, alterations, improvements, repairs, and replacements at the franchisee's expense.
Specifically, the franchisee is obligated to complete a full renovation of the franchised business when required by Buona. This renovation includes the building design, parking lot, and landscaping. The renovation ensures that the business meets the current design criteria for Buona restaurants, including any necessary structural changes, remodeling, and redecoration.
However, the franchisee is only required to conduct a full renovation once during the term of the agreement, and is not required to do so if there is less than one year remaining in the term. This obligation is in addition to the franchisee's other responsibilities to operate the business according to Buona's standards and specifications.