Will Buona provide its standards and specifications to prospective suppliers of a franchisee upon written request?
Buona Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisor will establish uniform criteria for approving suppliers and make every reasonable effort to disseminate its standards and specifications to prospective suppliers of Franchisee upon written request of Franchisee.
However, Franchisor may elect not to make available to prospective suppliers the standards and specifications for such formulae or equipment designs deemed by Franchisor in its sole discretion to be confidential.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 78)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Buona's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Buona will make reasonable efforts to disseminate its standards and specifications to prospective suppliers of a franchisee, provided the franchisee submits a written request. This is part of Buona's effort to maintain high and uniform standards of quality, cleanliness, appearance, and service across all franchised businesses. This effort aims to protect and enhance the reputation of the Buona system and the demand for its products and services.
However, Buona retains the discretion to withhold standards and specifications for formulae or equipment designs it deems confidential. This protects Buona's proprietary information and competitive advantage.
This policy ensures that franchisees can explore alternative suppliers while maintaining Buona's quality standards, but it also acknowledges Buona's need to protect its confidential information. A prospective franchisee should be aware of this process and the potential limitations when seeking alternative suppliers.