What is the purpose of the Franchised Business Renovation requirement for Buona franchisees?
Buona Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
and maintain the highest governmental standards and ratings applicable to the operation of the Franchised Business; and
- iii. For the Franchised Business to be able to offer new products or services or to permit the Franchised Business to operate more efficiently.
- (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.
- 10.2 System Compliance. Franchisee shall operate the Franchised Business in strict conformity with such uniform methods, standards and specifications as Franchisor may from time to
time prescribe in the Manuals or otherwise in writing to insure that the highest degree of quality, service and cleanliness is uniformly maintained, and Franchisee shall refrain from any deviation from such methods, standards and specifications, and shall refrain from otherwise operating in any manner which reflects adversely on Franchisor's name and goodwill or on the Marks or the System. In connection therewith, Franchisee agrees as follows:
- (a) To maintain in sufficient supply, and use at all times, only such ingredients, products, materials, supplies, and paper goods that conform to Franchisor's standards and specifications, and to refrain from deviating from such standards and specifications by using nonconforming items, without Franchisor's prior written consent, which Franchisor may withhold in its sole discretion;
- (b) To sell or offer for sale only such products and menu items that have been expressly approved for sale in writing by Franchisor, and that meet Franchisor's uniform standards of quality and quantity and have been prepared in accordance with Franchisor's methods and techniques for product preparation; including Franchisor's recipes, cooking techniques and processes as designated in the Manuals. Franchisee shall not alter, dilute, substitute or otherwise change the quality or composition of any ingredients and materials. Franchisee acknowledges that such recipes, cooking techniques and processes are integral to the System and failure to adhere to such recipes, cooking techniques and processes (including the handling and storage of both ingredients and fully prepared menu items) shall be detrimental to the System and Marks;
- (c) To sell or offer for sale the minimum menu items specified in the Manuals or otherwise in writing;
- (d) To refrain from any deviation from Franchisor's standards and specifications for preparing, serving or selling the menu items, without Franchisor's prior written consent, which Franchisor may withhold in its sole discretion;
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 78–356)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Buona's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Franchised Business Renovation is required to maintain high operating standards, increase demand for Buona products and services, and protect the reputation and goodwill of Buona. The renovation ensures that the franchised business meets the highest governmental standards, can offer new products or services, and operates more efficiently.
Specifically, the renovation involves a full reimaging, refurbishment, and modernization of the franchised business. This includes updates to the building design, parking lot, landscaping, equipment, point of sale system, signs, interior and exterior decor, fixtures, furnishings, trade dress, color scheme, presentation of trademarks and service marks, supplies, and other materials. These renovations must meet the then-current design criteria for Buona businesses and may include structural changes, remodeling, and redecoration.
Buona requires franchisees to conduct a Franchised Business Renovation only once during the term of the franchise agreement, provided there is more than one year remaining in the term. Franchisees are obligated to operate their businesses in accordance with Buona's standards and specifications throughout the term, as detailed in the manual and other written communications from Buona. This ensures system-wide compliance and uniformity, which is crucial for maintaining the brand's image and customer experience.