Is a Chatime franchisee allowed to offer or sell any food or beverage items that are not specified on the Chatime Menu?
Chatime Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- (1) Franchisee acknowledges that the Chatime Menu forms a key part of the Chatime brand and image. Accordingly, Franchisee must ensure that it strictly complies with the requirements of Franchisor relating to:
- (a) The Chatime Menu; and
- (b) The areas and manner of preparation of food items for sale from the Outlet,
as set out in the Operations Manual or as otherwise specified from time to time by Franchisor.
- (2) Franchisee must ensure that it:
- (a) Offers for sale from the Outlet the complete range of food and beverages on the Chatime Menu and that such food and beverage items are prepared in accordance with the Chatime Menu;
- (b) Does not offer, sell, or supply any food or beverages that are not specified on the Chatime Menu; and
- (c) Acquires all products (including Raw Materials) required to prepare Products on the Chatime Menu only from Approved Suppliers.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 58–262)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Chatime Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are explicitly prohibited from offering or selling any food or beverage items that are not specified on the Chatime Menu. The FDD emphasizes that the Chatime Menu is a key component of the brand's image, and franchisees must strictly adhere to the franchisor's requirements regarding the menu and the preparation of food items. Franchisees are required to offer the complete range of food and beverages listed on the Chatime Menu.
This restriction ensures consistency across all Chatime locations and helps maintain brand standards. By limiting the products that franchisees can sell, Chatime aims to control the quality and uniformity of its offerings. This also allows Chatime to manage its supply chain more effectively, as franchisees are required to purchase all products, including raw materials, needed to prepare menu items exclusively from approved suppliers.
For a prospective franchisee, this means they will have limited flexibility in customizing their menu or introducing new items based on local preferences or trends. While this may seem restrictive, it also provides a clear framework for operations and reduces the risk of experimenting with unproven products. Franchisees should carefully review the Chatime Menu and consider whether it aligns with their market's demands before investing in the franchise. Any deviation from the approved menu is a violation of the franchise agreement and could lead to penalties or termination.