What is the Carbones System that the franchisee must operate under?
Carbones_Pizzeria Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
WHEREAS, Franchisor controls or is the owner of certain commercial trade names, trademarks, service marks, domain names and other commercial symbols including associated logos now or hereafter selected, used or promoted by Franchisor and licensed to Franchisee in connection with the Carbone System (as defined below) (collectively, "Names and Marks"); and
WHEREAS, Franchisor has created and developed certain skill and know-how in the sale and preparation of pizza and various other food and beverage items, including the development of unique and valuable recipes and sales procedures, business plans, standards, specifications, methods, processes, techniques, and sourcing, all of which may be changed from time to time by Franchisor (collectively, the "Carbone System") but specifically excluding any employee policies or procedures that Franchisor may make available to Franchisee for its optional use during the term of this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, Franchisee wishes, upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, to be assisted and trained by Franchisor to engage in the business of operating a restaurant selling pizza and other items under the Names and Marks (the "Franchise"), all in accordance with the Carbone System, it being understood that Franchisee recognizes the importance to Franchisor and to the public of maintaining the distinctive standards, qualities and attributes of a Carbone's Pizza Restaurant, and Franchisee is willing to maintain such standards, qualities and attributes.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recited facts and the mutual agreements and covenants contained in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is acknowledged by each party, the parties agree as follows:
1. Grant of Franchise.
- a. Franchisor grants Franchisee a Franchise to use the Carbone System to develop and operate a restaurant selling pizza and other food items under the Names and Marks during the term of this Agreement.
- b. The location of the restaurant to be operated under this Agreement is set forth on the Rider (the "Restaurant") to this Agreement, and such address shall not be changed without the prior written approval of Franchisor.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 30–116)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Carbones Pizzeria Franchise Disclosure Document, the Carbone System encompasses the specific methods, processes, techniques, and sourcing strategies developed by Carbones Pizzeria for the sale and preparation of pizza and other food and beverage items. It also includes unique and valuable recipes, sales procedures, business plans, standards, and specifications. Carbones Pizzeria retains the right to modify the Carbone System over time. However, the Carbone System specifically excludes any employee policies or procedures that Carbones Pizzeria may make available to the franchisee for its optional use during the term of the Franchise Agreement.
As a Carbones Pizzeria franchisee, you are required to operate your restaurant in accordance with the Carbone System. This includes using only the recipes provided by Carbones Pizzeria for all menu items, and any deviation from these recipes constitutes a breach of the Franchise Agreement. You must also maintain sufficient supplies and staff to operate the restaurant at maximum capacity and efficiency. The restaurant must be open to the public during the hours specified by Carbones Pizzeria, and you are obligated to adhere to the franchisor's advertising and promotional requirements.
The FDD states that Carbones Pizzeria will provide franchisees with a manual and a prototypical design package. Franchisees must also use only the names and marks specified by Carbones Pizzeria and ensure that all employees wear designated uniforms and maintain a neat appearance. Furthermore, franchisees are required to use only approved containers, cartons, sacks, napkins, flavorings, and garnishments that comply with Carbones Pizzeria's specifications. Franchisees must also comply with all applicable laws affecting the restaurant's operation and pay all required taxes on time.
Franchisees are obligated to record all sales in the POS system, maintain sales data for at least five years, and provide monthly sales reports and quarterly and annual financial statements to Carbones Pizzeria. Carbones Pizzeria has direct access to all data in the POS system and may inspect the premises at any reasonable time to ensure compliance with its standards. Franchisees are prohibited from selling or loaning supplies to any party except another Carbones Pizzeria establishment with prior written consent from the franchisor. These measures ensure consistency and quality across all Carbones Pizzeria locations and protect the brand's reputation.