What components are included in the definition of the 'Computer System' that a Carvel franchisee must acquire?
Carvel Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must promptly purchase, lease and/or license and install at the Franchised Business, at your sole expense, the computerized point-of-sale system, computer and technology systems, mobile hardware, software, applications, associated computer hardware, telephone lines, network connections, communications equipment, high speed internet access (e.g. fiber or cable), and other equipment that we require from time to time (the "Computer System"), all of which you must keep in good maintenance and repair. You must use the Computer System in accordance with our Standards. We have the right to retrieve all data from your Computer System that we deem appropriate, and we may require you to obtain, at your expense, polling services we specify from a supplier that we specify (which may be us or our affiliates). If it becomes advisable at any time, in our sole discretion, for us to change, upgrade, or discontinue use of any of the components of the Computer System, you will comply with our directions, at your expense, within a reasonable time after notice to you. We will have no liability or obligation whatsoever with respect to our requirement that you modify or discontinue use of any of the components of the Computer System or any unauthorized modifications to the Computer System that you make.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 100–353)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Carvel's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Computer System that a franchisee must acquire and maintain encompasses a range of technology-related items. This includes the computerized point-of-sale system, general computer and technology systems, mobile hardware, software, and applications. The definition extends to associated computer hardware, telephone lines, network connections, communications equipment, and high-speed internet access, such as fiber or cable. Carvel retains the right to modify these requirements over time.
Carvel franchisees are responsible for purchasing, leasing, licensing, and installing the Computer System at their own expense. They must also ensure it is well-maintained and operated according to Carvel's standards. Carvel has the authority to retrieve data from the franchisee's Computer System and may require franchisees to use specific polling services from a designated supplier, which could be Carvel or its affiliates.
If Carvel decides to change, upgrade, or discontinue any component of the Computer System, franchisees must comply with these changes at their own expense within a reasonable timeframe after receiving notice. Carvel assumes no liability for these required modifications or for any unauthorized changes made to the Computer System by the franchisee. This ensures Carvel maintains control over the technology used within its franchise network, but it also places the financial burden of upgrades and changes on the franchisee.