Does Chatime provide specific construction plans, or standard generic plans, for the Chatime Store?
Chatime Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We will provide you with standard, generic plans and specifications for the improvements, furnishings, fixtures, and decor of your Chatime Store. You will then have specific plans and specifications for construction or conversion of the space for your Chatime Store prepared by an approved licensed architect at your expense. These plans and specifications must be approved by us in writing before you begin construction. We must approve any changes made during construction in writing. (Clause 4.11 of the Franchise Agreement).
You must use our approved suppliers for real estate and construction management services, construction due diligence, architectural, engineering and design services, construction permit acquisition and management services, and construction site visits. All construction will be at your expense. (Clause 4.11 of the Franchise Agreement).
You will ensure that your Chatime Store is accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities and meets the Standards for Accessible Design for new construction or any more stringent accessibility standard under federal, state, or local law prior to opening your Chatime Store. (Clause 4.11 of the Franchise Agreement).
Source: Item 11 — Franchisor's Assistance, Advertising, Computer Systems, and Training (FDD pages 27–35)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Chatime's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Chatime provides franchisees with standard, generic plans and specifications for the improvements, furnishings, fixtures, and decor of the Chatime Store. However, the franchisee is responsible for having specific plans and specifications prepared by an approved, licensed architect at their own expense. These specific plans must be approved by Chatime in writing before construction begins, and any changes made during construction also require written approval from Chatime.
This means that while Chatime offers a baseline for the store's design, franchisees must invest in customized architectural plans that align with Chatime's standards and the specific location. This ensures that each Chatime store meets the brand's requirements while also adhering to local building codes and regulations. The franchisee is responsible for the cost of these architectural services and any construction expenses.
Chatime also requires franchisees to use their approved suppliers for real estate and construction management services, construction due diligence, architectural, engineering and design services, construction permit acquisition and management services, and construction site visits. This requirement ensures that all aspects of the store's construction adhere to Chatime's standards and that the store is accessible to individuals with disabilities, meeting all relevant accessibility standards under federal, state, or local law.