Are the policies adopted by Burneys Sweets More considered part of the Franchise Agreement?
Burneys_Sweets_More Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
LS:
- A. Franchisor has expended time, money and effort to develop a unique system for operating limited-seating, fast-casual Shops emphasizing high-quality glazed and stuffed croissants, donuts, cakes, pies, cookies, other dessert items, coffee and other beverages. (The methods of operation, know how, experience and form of operation acquired, devised and/or established by Franchisor are referred to herein as the "System"; the chain of current and future BURNEY'S SWEETS & MORE Shops are referred to herein as the "Chain.")
- B. The distinguishing characteristics of the System include the name "BURNEY'S SWEETS & MORE," special recipes and menu items, including proprietary methods of preparation, and enhancing bakery products, unique interior and exterior building design and appearance and consistency, and uniformity of products and services, all of which may be improved, amended and further developed by Franchisor from time to time.
- C. Franchisor identifies its goods and services with certain service marks, trade names and trademarks, including, but not limited to, the "BURNEY'S SWEETS & MORE" trademark, as well as certain other trademarks, service marks, slogans, logos and emblems which have been and which may hereafter be designated by Franchisor for use in connection with the System (the "Marks").
- D. Franchisee desires to obtain a license from Franchisor for use of the Marks and the System solely for the operation of a business ("Franchised Business") at the location listed below (the "Shop"), and Franchisee desires to use the Marks, System, and other benefits derived from this license relationship strictly in accordance with the provisions set forth below.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the recitals and the mutual agreements set forth below and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:
1. Grant.
Franchisor hereby grants to Franchisee, on the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement, and Franchisee accepts from Franchisor, a license ("License") to establish, own, and operate under the System, one Shop at the location ("Location") specified in the Franchise Rider attached hereto as Attachment 1. Franchisee agrees to identify the Shop and all of the items
Franchisee sells or offers for sale only by the Marks. Franchisee has no right to use the System or the Marks for any purpose other than as expressly provided herein.
Pursuant to this grant, Franchisee, at its own expense, shall construct or remodel, and equip, staff, open and operate the Shop at the Location, in accordance with this Agreement. Unless otherwise agreed in a writing executed by Franchisor, Franchisee shall commence operating the Shop within one (1) year after the execution of this Agreement, and shall diligently operate such business in accordance with this Agreement for the Initial Term stated herein.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 50)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
Based on the 2025 Burneys Sweets More Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchise agreement grants the franchisee a license to operate a Burneys Sweets More shop under the System, at a specific location outlined in the Franchise Rider. The agreement emphasizes that the franchisee must operate strictly in accordance with the provisions set forth in the agreement. The System includes methods of operation, know-how, experience, and the overall form of operation developed by Burneys Sweets More. The distinguishing characteristics of the System involve the Burneys Sweets More name, recipes, menu items, building design, and uniformity of products and services, which Burneys Sweets More may improve or amend over time.
The franchise agreement also states that all rights not explicitly granted to the franchisee are reserved to the franchisor. This reservation of rights allows Burneys Sweets More to exercise these rights without restriction or compensation to the franchisee, including using the Marks and System outside the franchisee's territory and through other channels of distribution. The franchisee must adhere to the terms and conditions outlined in the agreement to maintain their license.
While the FDD excerpts detail the franchise agreement and the franchisee's obligations to adhere to the Burneys Sweets More System, it does not explicitly state whether the policies adopted by Burneys Sweets More are considered part of the Franchise Agreement. A prospective franchisee should seek clarification from the franchisor regarding the legal status and binding nature of the Burneys Sweets More policies to fully understand their contractual obligations.