What happens if a Buona franchisee fails to meet the required governmental standards?
Buona Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- ii.
To meet and maintain the highest governmental standards and ratings applicable to the operation of the Franchised Business; and
- (a) Food Borne Illness and other Public Health or Safety Issues**.** Franchisor has the right to require Franchisee to close its Franchised Business if Franchisor determines that Franchisee's Franchised Business has deficiencies relating to food safety and cleanliness or other public health and safety issues.
Franchisee may not reopen the Franchised Business until Franchisor has re-inspected the Franchised Business and determined that it meets Franchisor's standards.
In the event of an outbreak of a food borne illness, or any other public health or safety issue that potentially could negatively impact Franchisor's Marks and brand, Franchisee must immediately notify Franchisor of such event, but no later than the next day following the occurrence.
Further, Franchisee is strictly prohibited from speaking or communicating with the media in the event of an outbreak of a food borne illness or any other public health or safety issue,
whether at Franchisee's Franchised Business or at any other Buona Business. Franchisor has the right to be the sole spokesperson on these issues.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 78–356)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Buona's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to maintain the highest governmental standards and ratings applicable to their franchised business. Buona emphasizes the importance of maintaining high and uniform operating standards to protect its reputation and goodwill. Franchisees must keep their businesses in a high degree of cleanliness, sanitation, and repair, meeting governmental standards.
If a Buona franchisee's business has deficiencies related to food safety, cleanliness, or other public health and safety issues, Buona has the right to require the franchisee to close the franchised business. The franchisee cannot reopen until Buona re-inspects the premises and determines that it meets Buona's standards.
In the event of a foodborne illness outbreak or any other public health or safety issue that could negatively impact Buona's brand, the franchisee must immediately notify Buona, no later than the day following the occurrence. The franchisee is strictly prohibited from communicating with the media regarding such issues; Buona retains the right to be the sole spokesperson.