Does Buona reserve the right to vary standards described in the Franchise Agreement for any franchise owner?
Buona Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisor will continue its reasonable efforts to assist Buona Businesses in maintaining high and uniform standards of quality, cleanliness, appearance and service, to protect and enhance the reputation of the System and the demand for the products and services of the System.
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.
Franchisor may conduct periodic inspections of the business premises and evaluations of the products used and sold at the Franchised Business.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 78–356)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Buona's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Buona retains the right to modify standards and specifications for its franchise system. While Buona aims to maintain uniform standards of quality, cleanliness, appearance, and service across all locations, it may, in its sole discretion, deem certain formulas or equipment designs confidential and not share those standards with prospective suppliers.
Buona also has the right to conduct periodic inspections of the business premises and evaluate the products sold at the Franchised Business. Furthermore, Buona may develop National Accounts Programs and establish the terms for each National Account contract based on the needs of the account, Buona itself, the franchise system, and its franchisees. Franchisees must comply with Buona's published standards, policies, and procedures for participation in the National Accounts Program, which may be modified and supplemented over time.
Additionally, if a franchisee seeks to renew their franchise agreement, they must agree to remodel, reimage, renovate, refurbish, and modernize the Franchised Business to meet Buona's then-current standards, specifications, and design criteria. This includes but is not limited to building design, parking lot, landscaping, equipment, point of sale system, signs, interior and exterior decor items, fixtures, furnishings, equipment, trade dress, color scheme, presentation of trademarks and service marks, supplies and other products and materials. These standards are detailed in the current franchise agreement and Manual or otherwise in writing, including structural changes, remodeling, redecoration, and modifications to existing improvements necessary to meet the updated criteria.
These provisions indicate that while Buona strives for uniformity, it retains considerable flexibility to update and modify its standards, and franchisees are expected to adapt to these changes, particularly upon renewal of their franchise agreement. This ensures that all Buona locations remain consistent with the brand's current image and operational practices, but it also means that franchisees must be prepared to invest in updates and changes as required by Buona.