Can the Carbones Pizzeria franchisor change the standards that franchisees must meet?
Carbones_Pizzeria Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
s 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;
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 30–116)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Carbones Pizzeria's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisor can change the standards that franchisees must meet. The FDD states that the Carbone System, which includes various aspects of the business, may be changed from time to time by the franchisor. Additionally, the standards for items purchased by the franchisee, such as ingredients and supplies, can also be changed by the franchisor.
This means that a Carbones Pizzeria franchisee must stay updated with any changes the franchisor makes to the Carbone System, which includes recipes, sales procedures, business plans, standards, specifications, methods, processes, techniques, and sourcing. These changes could impact the way the franchisee operates their restaurant, the products they sell, and the suppliers they use. The franchisee is responsible for adhering to these changes to maintain the standards, qualities, and attributes of the Carbones Pizzeria brand.
Furthermore, franchisees must purchase items that meet the franchisor's standards, and these standards can change over time. This includes ingredients, food items, apparel, pizza boxes, supplies, and even the point of sale (POS) system. Franchisees may be required to purchase certain items only from the franchisor or an approved supplier. While franchisees can seek approval for unapproved suppliers, the franchisor has the final say and can reject the supplier. This ensures uniformity across all Carbones Pizzeria locations but may limit the franchisee's options and potentially impact costs.