For a Carvel franchise, what must the franchisee's architect or the franchisee certify regarding the Architectural Plans before Carvel approves them?

According to Carvel's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, before Carvel approves the Architectural Plans for a franchise location, the franchisee or their architect must certify that the plans comply with specific legal requirements. These requirements include the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the architectural guidelines under the ADA, and all other applicable federal, state, and local statutes, rules, regulations, ordinances, and codes, collectively referred to as "Laws".

This certification is a crucial step in the approval process, ensuring that the Carvel franchise location adheres to all relevant legal standards. It is important to note that Carvel's review of the Architectural Plans is limited to ensuring compliance with their own standards and does not assess structural integrity or compliance with applicable Laws. The responsibility for ensuring legal compliance rests solely with the franchisee and their chosen architect.

This requirement places a significant responsibility on the franchisee to engage qualified professionals who are knowledgeable about ADA requirements and local building codes. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in costly delays, fines, and legal issues. Therefore, prospective Carvel franchisees should carefully vet their architects and ensure they have a thorough understanding of all applicable legal requirements before submitting the Architectural Plans for approval.