Can Burneys Sweets More establish new technology standards for franchisees?
Burneys_Sweets_More Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- (e) Technology Changes. Franchisee acknowledges and agrees that changes to technology are dynamic and not predictable within Initial Term. In order to provide for inevitable but unpredictable changes to technological needs and opportunities, Franchisee agrees that Franchisor shall have the right to establish, in writing, reasonable new standards for the implementation of technology and Computer Systems in the System; and Franchisee agrees that it will abide by those reasonable new standards established by Franchisor, at Franchisee's sole cost and expense. Franchisee may be required to pay additional or increased fees to Franchisor, its affiliates, or third-party vendors, as a result of these changes to technology.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 50)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Burneys Sweets More's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Burneys Sweets More retains the right to set new technology standards for its franchisees. As the FDD states, technology changes are dynamic and not predictable within the initial term of the franchise agreement. To address these inevitable changes, Burneys Sweets More can establish reasonable new standards in writing for technology and computer systems.
This means that a franchisee must comply with any new technology standards that Burneys Sweets More implements. The franchisee is responsible for the costs associated with meeting these new standards. These costs may include additional or increased fees payable to Burneys Sweets More, its affiliates, or third-party vendors.
This clause gives Burneys Sweets More significant control over the technology used in the franchise. While the standards must be "reasonable," the franchisee bears the financial burden of these changes. Prospective franchisees should carefully consider the potential costs of future technology upgrades when evaluating this franchise opportunity.