For a Carvel franchise, how many days before the Construction Start Deadline must the franchisee submit the final Architectural Plans?
Carvel Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ii) Architectural Plans. We will provide you with a sample layout for the interior of a typical Business and specifications for furniture, fixtures, equipment, and décor. Your Architect and engineer must prepare your plans, modify or complete the layouts, renderings, plans, and specifications, which must include interior and exterior elevations of the Accepted Location (the "Architectural Plans").
- B. Compliance with Legal Requirements. You must, before we approve the Architectural Plans, have your architect or you certify to us that the Architectural Plans comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (the "ADA"), the architectural guidelines under the ADA, and all other federal, state, and local statutes, rules, regulations, ordinances, and codes (collectively, "Laws") that apply to the Franchised Business.
- C. Submission of Plans. You must submit to us at least 30 days before the Construction Start Deadline (as defined in Section 6.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 100–353)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Carvel's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee must submit a complete set of final Architectural Plans to Carvel at least 30 days before the Construction Start Deadline. Carvel will then review these plans and either accept them or provide comments on required changes.
After the initial review and one revision incorporating Carvel's changes, Carvel may charge a fee of $2,500 for each subsequent review of drawings that include modifications from previously accepted plans. This fee covers Carvel's costs of ensuring compliance with their standards.
The franchisee cannot begin construction until Carvel has provided written acceptance of the final Architectural Plans. Carvel's review is limited to ensuring compliance with their standards and does not assess structural integrity or compliance with applicable laws, which remain the franchisee's responsibility.