What is the Buona franchisee's obligation regarding the parking lot of the Franchised Business?
Buona Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- (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 parking lot of the franchised business. Buona requires franchisees to maintain the premises, including the parking lot, in accordance with their high standards and public image. This includes making necessary additions, alterations, improvements, repairs, and replacements at the franchisee's sole cost and expense.
Specifically, Buona may require the franchisee to complete a full reimaging, renovation, refurbishment, and modernization of the franchised business. This includes 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. These renovations must meet the then-current design criteria for Buona businesses, potentially involving structural changes, remodeling, redecoration, and modifications to existing improvements.
However, Buona stipulates that a franchisee is only required to conduct a full Franchised Business Renovation once during the term of the agreement, and they are 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 ongoing duty to operate the franchised business in accordance with Buona's standards and specifications throughout the term of the agreement.