Does Checkers require franchisees to obtain advance written consent before establishing or maintaining social media sites associated with Checkers' marks?
Checkers Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You agree not to promote, offer or sell any products or services relating to your Franchised Restaurant, or to use any of the Marks, through the Internet without our consent, which consent may be withheld for any reason or no reason. In connection with any such consent, we may establish such requirements as we deem appropriate, including (a) obtaining our prior written approval of any Internet domain name and home page addresses; (b) submission for our approval of all Web site pages, materials and content; (c) use of all hyperlinks and other links; (d) restrictions on use of any materials (including text, video clips, photographs, images and sound bites) in which any third party has any ownership interest; and (e) obtaining our prior written approval of any modifications.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 91–92)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Checkers' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must obtain consent from Checkers to promote, offer, or sell any products or services related to their franchised restaurant, or to use any of Checkers' marks, through the Internet. This consent can be withheld for any reason.
If Checkers grants consent, they may establish requirements that the franchisee must follow. These requirements include obtaining prior written approval for any Internet domain name and home page addresses, submitting all website pages, materials, and content for approval, using all hyperlinks and other links as directed, adhering to restrictions on the use of materials in which any third party has ownership interest, and obtaining prior written approval of any modifications.
This means that a Checkers franchisee needs to seek and receive written approval from Checkers before engaging in any online promotional activities, including social media, that utilize Checkers' trademarks or promote the restaurant. This requirement allows Checkers to maintain control over its brand image and marketing strategies across all online platforms. The franchisee must be prepared to modify their online content and strategies to comply with Checkers' requirements.