What is the purpose of the maintenance requirements for a Buona franchise?
Buona Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
10.1 Maintenance and Renovation of the Franchised Business. Franchisee understands and acknowledges that every detail of the System is important to Franchisor, Franchisee and other franchisees so as to develop and maintain high and uniform operating standards, to increase the demand for Buona products and services and to protect the reputation and goodwill of Franchisor, the System and the Marks. Accordingly, Franchisee agrees that:
(a) Franchisee shall maintain, at all times during the Term, at Franchisee's expense, the premises of the Franchised Business and all fixtures, furnishings, signs, systems and equipment, in conformity with Franchisor's high standards and public image and to make such additions, alterations, improvements, repairs, and replacements (but no others, without Franchisor's prior written consent) as may be required by Franchisor from time to time, including but not limited to the following, at Franchisee's sole cost and expense:
i.
To keep the Franchised Business in the highest degree of cleanliness, sanitation and repair, including but not limited to such periodic repainting, repairs or replacement of damaged or obsolete, furniture, fixtures and equipment, and replacement of obsolete signs, as Franchisor may reasonably direct;
- ii.
To meet 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.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 78–356)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Buona's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the maintenance and renovation requirements are in place to maintain high operating standards and protect the brand's reputation. Buona emphasizes that every detail of the system is important for maintaining uniform standards and increasing demand for its products and services. These standards are designed to protect the goodwill associated with the Buona brand and its trademarks.
To this end, franchisees are responsible for maintaining the premises and all related fixtures, furnishings, signs, systems, and equipment to meet Buona's standards. This includes making necessary additions, alterations, improvements, repairs, and replacements as directed by Buona. Franchisees must keep their businesses clean, sanitary, and in good repair, which includes repainting, repairing or replacing damaged or obsolete items, and replacing obsolete signs as directed by Buona. Franchisees must also meet and maintain the highest governmental standards applicable to their operations and ensure their businesses can offer new products or services and operate efficiently.
In addition to regular maintenance, Buona franchisees must complete a full reimaging, renovation, refurbishment, and modernization of their franchised business within a timeframe required by Buona. This renovation 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, supplies, and other materials to meet the current design criteria for Buona businesses. However, a franchisee is only required to conduct such a renovation once during the term of the agreement, and is not required to do so if there is less than one year remaining in the term.