Under what circumstances will Burger King require a franchisee to install additional or replacement equipment?
Burger_King Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
D. Equipment
(1) Only equipment approved by BKC which meets the criteria and performance standards of the BURGER KING System may be used in the Franchised Restaurant. The equipment shall be maintained in a condition that meets operational standards specified in the MOD Manual and, as equipment becomes obsolete or inoperable, Franchisee will replace the equipment with the types and kinds of equipment as are then approved for use in BURGER KING Restaurants. If BKC determines that additional or replacement equipment is needed because of a change in menu items or method of preparation and service or because of health or safety considerations, Franchisee will install the additional equipment or replacement equipment within the reasonable time specified by BKC. Prior to mandating the use of a new or additional piece of equipment, BKC shall use reasonable efforts to field test the proposed new equipment.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 125–127)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Burger King's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to use only equipment approved by Burger King that meets the brand's criteria and performance standards. Franchisees must maintain this equipment in a condition that meets the operational standards outlined in the MOD Manual. As equipment becomes obsolete or inoperable, franchisees are obligated to replace it with equipment types currently approved for Burger King restaurants.
Burger King may also mandate the installation of additional or replacement equipment if there are changes to menu items, preparation and service methods, or due to health or safety considerations. In such cases, franchisees are expected to install the necessary equipment within a reasonable timeframe specified by Burger King.
Before requiring new equipment, Burger King will make reasonable efforts to field test the proposed equipment. Furthermore, Burger King may require franchisees to add or replace equipment, wiring, hardware, and software related to Additional Digital Systems or Additional Ordering Systems. Franchisees are responsible for the costs associated with maintaining, using, and operating technology for communicating with customers and processing customer data, as well as for any equipment upgrades related to these systems.