Are the fees for the Chatime technology stack payable directly to the supplier or to Chatime?

According to Chatime's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the fees for the technology systems can be payable either to the designated supplier directly or to Chatime, depending on the specific element of the technology stack. The technology stack includes the Revel point of sale system, Bite customer facing self-serve kiosk, Stratos digital menu board and supporting software, Olo delivery aggregator middleware, Como Chatime digital application (app) and CRM for customer ordering and communication, and Deputy time and attendance and rostering software.

Item 7 outlines the estimated initial investment for a Chatime franchise, including a line item for technology systems. The estimated cost for these systems ranges from $10,500 to $14,000. The table in Item 7 also specifies that these fees are paid as arranged and incurred, either to a third party or to Chatime.

This means a prospective Chatime franchisee needs to clarify with Chatime which components of the technology stack require direct payment to the supplier and which are paid to Chatime. Understanding the payment structure is essential for budgeting and managing cash flow during the initial investment phase. Franchisees should also confirm whether Chatime receives any commissions or markups on technology systems paid to third-party suppliers, as this could affect the overall cost.