If a Checkers franchisee proposes a new supplier, what information must be submitted to Checkers for approval?
Checkers Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
If you propose to use any brand or supplier that is not then approved by us, you must first notify us and submit sufficient information, specifications and samples concerning such brand and/or supplier so that we can decide whether such brand complies with our specifications and standards and/or such supplier meets our approved supplier criteria. We have the right to charge reasonable fees to cover our costs (currently, we charge only our out of pocket expenses). We will notify you of our decision within a reasonable period of time not to exceed 60 days. We may prescribe procedures for the submission of requests for approval and impose obligations on suppliers, which we may require to be incorporated in a written agreement. We may impose limits on the number of suppliers and/or brands for any of the foregoing items and set required, optional or test menu items. We will make available our then current supplier criteria to you, as necessary, upon request if we are asked to evaluate and approve a new supplier, item, or service for use with the System. We may revoke our approval of any supplier by notifying the supplier and you in writing.
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, if a franchisee wants to use a brand or supplier not already approved by Checkers, they must first notify Checkers. The franchisee needs to submit sufficient information, specifications, and samples concerning the brand and/or supplier. This allows Checkers to assess whether the brand meets their specifications and standards and if the supplier meets their approved supplier criteria.
Checkers has the right to charge reasonable fees to cover their costs, which currently only includes out-of-pocket expenses. Checkers will then notify the franchisee of their decision within 60 days. Checkers may also set specific procedures for submitting approval requests and impose obligations on the suppliers, potentially requiring these obligations to be included in a written agreement.
Furthermore, Checkers may limit the number of suppliers or brands for any items and set required, optional, or test menu items. Checkers will provide its current supplier criteria to the franchisee upon request if a new supplier, item, or service needs evaluation and approval for use within the Checkers system. Finally, Checkers retains the right to revoke approval of any supplier by notifying both the supplier and the franchisee in writing.