What is Carvel's role in the selection of an Architect for the buildout?
Carvel Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
xpense, to complete your buildout, unless we, in our sole discretion, agree in writing to accept a General Contractor that you propose. Our designation, pre-approval, or acceptance of a General Contractor will not in any way be our endorsement of such General Contractor or render us liable for such General Contractor's performance. (Franchise Agreement, Section 6.1.A.)
- 5. Architect. We will designate or pre-approve one or more licensed architects (an "Architect") that you must engage, at your own expense, to develop architectural plans, unless we, in our sole discretion, agree in writing to accept an Architect that you propose. Our designation, pre-approval, or acceptance of an Architect will not in any way be our endorsement of such Architect or render us liable for such Architect's performance or such Architect's compliance with professional design standards or adherence to local codes. You also must engage, at your expense, licensed engineers (e.g., mechanical, electrical, plumbing, or structural engineers), as necessary or appropriate. (Franchise Agreement, Section 6.2.A.(i))
- 6. Plans and Build-out. We will provide a sample layout and specifications for the Shoppe. We will review the Architectural Plans developed by your Architect and engineers. Our review of the Architectural Plans is limited to ensuring your compliance with our Standards and is not designed to assess structural integrity or compliance with applicable laws. After our initial review of your Architectural Plans at no cost and our review of one revised set of Architectural Plans that incorporate our required changes at no cost, we may charge a fee of $2,500 for each set of drawings we review that include any other modifications from the plans that we have previously accepted. We must accept your Architectural Plans in writing prior to you submitting them for permits and beginning constru
Source: Item 11 — Franchisor's Assistance, Advertising, Computer Systems, and Training (FDD pages 59–74)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Carvel's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Carvel will designate or pre-approve one or more licensed architects that the franchisee must engage at their own expense to develop architectural plans. However, Carvel may agree in writing to accept an architect that the franchisee proposes, at their sole discretion.
Carvel's designation, pre-approval, or acceptance of an architect does not constitute an endorsement, nor does it render Carvel liable for the architect's performance, compliance with professional design standards, or adherence to local codes. The franchisee is also responsible for engaging licensed engineers at their own expense as necessary or appropriate.
Carvel will provide a sample layout and specifications for the Shoppe and will review the architectural plans developed by the franchisee's architect and engineers. This review is limited to ensuring compliance with Carvel's standards and is not designed to assess structural integrity or compliance with applicable laws. Carvel offers an initial review of the architectural plans at no cost, as well as a review of one revised set of plans incorporating required changes at no cost. However, Carvel may charge a fee of $2,500 for each subsequent set of drawings reviewed that includes modifications from previously accepted plans.
The franchisee must obtain Carvel's written acceptance of the architectural plans before submitting them for permits and beginning construction. During construction, Carvel may inspect the Shoppe or photographs to verify compliance with the architectural plans and standards, and may charge a $2,500 on-site inspection fee if two or more on-site inspections are conducted. The franchisee cannot open the Shoppe until Carvel provides written consent.