factual

What standards must Buona franchisee local advertising conform to?

Buona Franchise · 2025 FDD

Answer from 2025 FDD Document

r respective contributions made to the Marketing Fund during the previous twelve (12) month period. Franchisor shall have the right to reinstate the Marketing Fund upon the same terms and conditions herein set forth upon thirty (30) days' prior written notice to Franchisee.

  • 11.2 Local Advertising. Beginning on the date of opening of the Franchised Business, in addition to the requirement for Franchisee to contribute to the Marketing Fund, each Period Franchisee must spend a minimum of one percent (1%) of the Gross Sales of the Franchised Business on local advertising, marketing and promotion to promote both the Buona and The Original Rainbow Cone Brands. Such expenditures will be made directly by Franchisee, subject to Franchisor's approval and direction. At Franchisor's request, Franchisee must furnish to Franchisor in a manner approved by Franchisor an accurate accounting of Franchisee's local advertising and marketing expenditures for each Period.
  • 11.3 Grand Opening Advertising and Marketing. Beginning sixty (60) days prior to the opening of the Franchised Business and continuing through the first ninety (90) days of operation of the Franchised Business, Franchisee must spend a minimum of Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) conducting an advertising and marketing campaign to promote the grand opening of the Franchised Business and both Brands. Grand opening monies will be spent on social media, print, radio, digital advertising and/or other advertising or promotions that Franchisor and Franchisee agree is best suited for Franchisee's grand opening campaign. The grand opening advertising and marketing shall be conducted in accordance

with the Manuals and/or other written guidelines Franchisor may issue on initial advertising and promotion.

11.4 Co-operative Advertising. Franchisee shall join and participate in any local advertising cooperative which has been or may be formed consisting of franchisees and/or Franchisor-owned or Affiliateowned Franchised Businesses in Franchisee's area or region. Franchisee agrees to contribute to the cooperative in the amount and manner agreed upon by a majority of the members of the cooperative. Contributions made by you to the cooperative will be credited to your local advertising expenditure requirements in Section 11.2 above. Each Franchised Business in the cooperative, whether franchised or company-owned or affiliate-owned, shall have one vote in the cooperative. Franchisor assumes no direct or indirect liability or obligation to Franchisee or to any local co-operative with respect to the maintenance, direction, or administration of the co-operative, including without limitation, any failure by any franchisees to make any contributions to the co-operative.

XII. INSURANCE

  • 12.1 Insurance Program. Franchisee shall procure, by the deadlines listed in Section 12.2, and shall maintain in full force and effect during the Term at Franchisee's expense, an insurance policy or policies protecting Franchisee and Franchisor, and their officers, directors, members, managers, employees, agents and invitees, against any loss, liability, or expense whatsoever from personal injury, death or property damage or casualty, including fire, lightning, theft, vandalism, malicious mischief, and other perils normally included in an extended coverage endorsement arising from, occurring upon or in connection with the construction, operation or occupancy of the Franchised Business, as Franchisor may reasonably require for its own and Franchisee's protection.
  • 12.2 Insurance Requirements. Such policy or policies shall be written by an insurance company satisfactory to Franchisor, and shall include, at a minimum the following coverage:
  • (a) Workers' Compensation Insurance, with statutory limits as required by the laws and regulations applicable to the employees of Franchisee who are engaged in the performance of their duties relating to the Franchised Business, including any pre-opening training programs, as well as such other insurance as may be required by statute, ordinance or regulation of the state or locality in which the Franchised Business is located; Franchisor reserves the right to require that owners and executive officers not be excluded from this coverage. Such coverage must be obtained on or before the date Franchisee hires any employees.
  • (b) Employer's Liability Insurance, for employee bodily injuries, and deaths, with a limit of $500,000 each accident; and for employee disease with a limit of $500,000. Such coverage must be obtained on or before the date Franchisee hires any employees.

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 adhere to specific standards for local advertising. Buona requires franchisees to spend a minimum of one percent of their gross sales on local advertising, marketing, and promotion. These expenditures must be made directly by the franchisee but are subject to Buona's approval and direction. This means that while franchisees have some autonomy in their local advertising efforts, Buona retains control over the overall strategy and content.

Buona also outlines specific requirements for grand opening advertising and marketing. Franchisees must spend a minimum of $20,000 on an advertising and marketing campaign during the 60 days prior to opening and the first 90 days of operation. These funds can be used for social media, print, radio, and digital advertising, or other promotions that both Buona and the franchisee agree are suitable for the grand opening campaign. This grand opening advertising must be conducted in accordance with the operations manual or other written guidelines issued by Buona.

Furthermore, Buona franchisees are required to participate in any local advertising cooperatives that may be formed in their area. Contributions to these cooperatives are credited towards the franchisee's local advertising expenditure requirements. In terms of digital marketing, franchisees are generally prohibited from conducting any digital marketing that uses Buona's marks or is related to the franchised business unless they obtain written consent from Buona. If consent is granted, the digital marketing must comply with Buona's guidelines, specifications, standards, policies, and procedures.

These requirements ensure that local advertising efforts align with Buona's brand standards and marketing strategies, while also allowing for some local customization. Prospective franchisees should carefully review Buona's advertising guidelines and policies to understand the extent of their autonomy and the specific requirements for local advertising campaigns.

Disclaimer: This information is extracted from the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document and is provided for research purposes only. It does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with a franchise attorney before making any investment decisions.