Are Buona franchisees required to use the standard plans and specifications provided by the franchisor?
Buona Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
The standard plans and specifications will be initially provided in the Manual.
No modification to or deviations from the standard plans and specifications may be made without the written consent of Franchisor.
Franchisee shall obtain, at its expense, further qualified architectural and engineering services to prepare surveys, site and foundation plans, and to adapt the standard plans and specifications to applicable local or state laws, regulations or ordinances.
Franchisee shall bear the cost of preparing plans containing deviations or modifications from the standard plans.
Promptly after obtaining possession of the site for the Franchised Business, Franchisee will: (i) cause to be prepared and submit for
approval by Franchisor a site plan. Franchisor shall then provide basic drawings and specifications, including requirements for dimensions, exterior design, materials, interior layout, equipment, fixtures, furniture, signs, and decorating required for the development of the Franchised Business; Franchisee is required to hire a licensed architect designated by Franchisor and have these drawings and specifications modified by the architect as required, to meet applicable ordinances, building codes or permit requirements (Franchisor must approve any such modifications to the drawings and specifications); and to fit the configuration of the approved site; (ii) obtain all required zoning changes, all required building, utility, health, sanitation and sign permits and any other required permits and licenses; (iii) purchase or lease equipment, fixtures, furniture and signs as hereinafter provided; (iv) complete the construction and/or remodeling, equip, furnish and decorate the Franchised Business in full and strict compliance with plans and specifications approved by Franchisor and all applicable ordinances, building codes and permit requirements; (v) obtain all customary contractors' sworn statements and partial and final waivers of lien for construction, remodeling, decorating and installation services; and (vi) upon completion of construction, furnish Franchisor final costs for the construction, equipment, build-out, deposits, and total development of the Franchised Business. Once the premises of the Franchised Business is established and approved by Franchisor, no changes in the interior or exterior design of the Franchised Business or the equipment or fixtures used within may be made without prior written consent of Franchisor.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 78–356)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Buona's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are generally required to adhere to the standard plans and specifications provided by Buona for their business premises. Buona will initially provide these standard plans and specifications in their Manual. Franchisees cannot modify or deviate from these standard plans without Buona's written consent.
Franchisees are responsible for hiring qualified architectural and engineering services to prepare surveys, site and foundation plans, and to adapt the standard plans and specifications to comply with local and state laws, regulations, or ordinances. The franchisee bears the cost of preparing plans that contain deviations or modifications from the standard plans.
After obtaining possession of the site, franchisees must submit a site plan for Buona's approval. Buona will then provide basic drawings and specifications, including requirements for dimensions, exterior design, materials, interior layout, equipment, fixtures, furniture, signs, and decorating. Franchisees are required to hire a licensed architect designated by Buona to modify these drawings and specifications to meet applicable ordinances, building codes, or permit requirements, subject to Buona's approval. Once the premises are established and approved, no changes to the interior or exterior design, equipment, or fixtures are allowed without prior written consent from Buona. This ensures uniformity and protects the brand's image.