What must a Checkers franchisee do before seeking municipal approval to develop the premises?
Checkers Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must submit all modified plans and specifications to us for our approval before seeking municipal approval to develop the Premises. Our review and approval of your plans are not designed to assess compliance with federal, state or local laws and regulations, including the ADA, as compliance with such laws is your sole responsibility. At our request, you must submit all revised or "as built" plans and specifications. All development must be in accordance with the plans and specifications we have approved, and must comply with all applicable laws, ordinances and local rules and regulations. The architect and/or general contractor you use to design and construct the Franchised Restaurant must be approved by us in writing. Any architect, general contractor or other builders you use must be licensed and maintain architect's, builder's and/or contractors insurance (as applicable). Our approval of any architect, general contractor or other builders that you use to design or construct the Franchised Restaurant is not a representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, of the architect's, general contractor's or other builder's qualifications or competence in designing or constructing the Franchised Restaurant. Our approval indicates only that we believe that the architect, general contractor or other builder meets our then acceptable
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 39–44)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Checkers' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee must submit all modified plans and specifications to Checkers for approval before seeking municipal approval to develop the premises.
Checkers provides prototype plans or other design materials for restaurant build-out, potentially requiring a fee, though currently there is none. These plans serve as a draft for the franchisee to develop final construction plans. Modifications are allowed only to comply with applicable federal, state, and local codes, regulations, ordinances, building codes, permit requirements, and lease restrictions. However, franchisees cannot alter the building's dimensions or exterior design without specific authorization from Checkers.
It is the franchisee's responsibility to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Checkers' review and approval of the plans do not guarantee compliance with these laws. The franchisee must also ensure that the architect and general contractor are approved by Checkers in writing, and that they are licensed and maintain appropriate insurance. Checkers' approval of these professionals does not constitute a warranty of their qualifications or competence.