What agreements must the spouses of Burneys Sweets More owners sign?
Burneys_Sweets_More Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisee agrees not to, and to use its best efforts to cause its current and former shareholders, officers, directors, principals, agents, partners, employees, representatives, attorneys, spouses, and successors and assigns not to, disparage or otherwise speak or write negatively, directly or indirectly, of Franchisor or Franchisor Affiliates or their respective current and former agents, principals, officers, directors, shareholders, members, employees, franchisees, representatives, area directors, attorneys, parents, predecessors, affiliates, subsidiaries divisions, and successors and assigns, the BURNEY'S SWEETS & MORE brand, the BURNEY'S SWEETS & MORE system, or any other service-marked or trademarked concept of Franchisor, or which would subject the BURNEY'S SWEETS & MORE brand to ridicule, scandal, reproach, scorn, or indignity or which would negatively impact the goodwill of Franchisor or its brand.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 50)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
Based on the 2025 Burneys Sweets More Franchise Disclosure Document, spouses of the franchisee may be required to sign an agreement. Specifically, the franchisee must use its best efforts to ensure that their spouses do not disparage Burneys Sweets More. This obligation extends to preventing negative statements or actions that could harm the brand's reputation or goodwill.
This requirement is outlined in the addendum to the franchise agreement, emphasizing that the franchisee is responsible for managing the behavior of their spouses in relation to the brand. The agreement aims to protect Burneys Sweets More from any form of negative publicity or damage that could arise from disparaging remarks made by individuals closely associated with the franchisee.
For a prospective Burneys Sweets More franchisee, this means discussing the non-disparagement clause with their spouse and ensuring they understand the importance of not making any negative comments about the franchise. This is a fairly common clause in franchise agreements, intended to protect the brand's reputation and maintain a positive image.