Who is responsible for preparing the specific construction plans and specifications for a Chatime store, and who must approve them?
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).
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, the franchisee is responsible for having specific construction plans and specifications prepared for their Chatime store. These plans must be created by an approved, licensed architect, and the franchisee bears the expense.
Chatime provides standard, generic plans and specifications for the improvements, furnishings, fixtures, and decor of the store. However, the franchisee must then take these generic plans and have them adapted to the specific location by a licensed architect.
Importantly, the franchisee cannot begin construction until Chatime approves the plans and specifications in writing. Furthermore, any changes made during construction also require Chatime's written approval. The franchisee is also required to use Chatime's approved suppliers for services such as real estate and construction management, architectural and engineering services, and construction permit acquisition.