Is a Carbones Pizzeria franchisee responsible for costs related to substitutions of recipes?
Carbones_Pizzeria Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
er applicable law.
f. Franchisee shall participate in soft drink group buying and advertising programs whereby Franchisor may enter into agreements relating to the sale of soft drink products to be sold by Franchisee and other franchisees. Franchisee shall also participate in any other group buying programs required by Franchisor.
7. Training.
- a. Each owner of Franchisee along with all operations managers of Franchisee or others who have management responsibility for the operation of the Restaurant must successfully complete Franchisor's initial training program. The initial training program shall be at no additional cost to Franchisee. However, Franchisee is responsible for all costs and expenses of its owners and employees to attend such training. The initial training program must be completed prior to the opening of the Restaurant to the general public. The initial training program shall be held at a location or locations designated by Franchisor.
- b. Franchisor will also, during normal business hours, at times agreed to by Franchisor, advise and consult with Franchisee in connection with the operation and marketing of the Restaurant.
- c. Franchisor may, at its sole option, make available, and require, Franchisee's attendance at, additional training programs to instruct Franchisee and its staff at Franchisee's Restaurant on changes to the Carbone System. Franchisor may charge for this training. The cost for the training must be paid prior to attendance at the training. Franchisee shall be responsible for all costs and expenses of Franchisee's owners and employees to attend this training. Said training will be conducted at such location or locations as Franchisor shall designate. Franchisee or the representatives of Franchisee will receive no compensation or reimbursement from Franchisor for any services performed or expenses incurred by Franchisee or its representatives during any training period or seminar.
8. Opening and Operation of the Franchise.
- a. Franchisee shall operate the Restaurant from the location approved by Franchisor. Franchisee must secure the approved location within 120 days of signing this Agreement.
Source: Item 14 — PATENTS, COPYRIGHTS AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION (FDD pages 22–23)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
Based on the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the FDD does not specify whether a Carbones Pizzeria franchisee is responsible for costs related to substitutions of recipes. However, the document does state that the franchisee must successfully complete the initial training program at no additional cost, although the franchisee is responsible for covering the costs and expenses for their owners and employees to attend the training. Furthermore, Carbones Pizzeria may offer additional training programs to instruct franchisees and their staff on changes to the Carbone System, for which they may charge a fee that must be paid prior to attendance. The franchisee is also responsible for covering the costs and expenses for their owners and employees to attend this additional training.
While the FDD does not explicitly address recipe substitution costs, it does mention that franchisees must obtain prior written approval from Carbones Pizzeria before offering or selling alcoholic beverages or any beverages containing THC or cannabis. This approval is at the sole discretion of Carbones Pizzeria and may be conditional upon the franchisee completing additional training and obtaining additional insurance. If approved, the franchisee must comply with Carbones Pizzeria's standards and applicable laws.
To gain a comprehensive understanding of financial responsibilities related to recipe substitutions, a prospective Carbones Pizzeria franchisee should directly inquire with the franchisor about any potential costs associated with recipe changes or substitutions. This inquiry should cover whether franchisees are expected to bear the costs of new ingredients, training, or equipment updates necessitated by recipe modifications. Clarification on these points will help the franchisee accurately assess the financial implications of operating a Carbones Pizzeria franchise and ensure they are prepared for any associated expenses.