Is a Chesters franchisee required to offer all menu items that Chesters periodically requires?
Chesters Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must offer and sell all menu items and products, and perform all services, we periodically require for CHESTER'S Restaurants operated at your type of location. You have no right to offer or sell any menu items or products, or perform any services, we have not authorized. We have the right periodically to change required and/or authorized menu items and services and equipment specifications (including required use of our designated POS system). There are no limits on our right to do so. Once a menu item, product, or service has become unauthorized, your Restaurant no longer may offer or sell it. You must operate the Restaurant in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations. You are not limited in the customers with whom the Restaurant does business from its premises.
Source: Item 16 — RESTRICTIONS ON WHAT THE FRANCHISEE MAY SELL (FDD page 35)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Chesters's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must offer and sell all menu items and products, and perform all services that Chesters periodically requires for restaurants operated at their location type. Franchisees do not have the right to offer or sell any menu items or products, or perform any services, that Chesters has not authorized.
Chesters retains the right to periodically change required and/or authorized menu items and services and equipment specifications, including the required use of their designated POS system, without any limitations. Once a menu item, product, or service is no longer authorized, the restaurant can no longer offer or sell it.
This requirement ensures uniformity across all Chesters locations and allows Chesters to adapt its menu and service offerings to market trends and customer preferences. For a franchisee, this means they must be prepared to update their menu and services as directed by Chesters, which may involve additional costs for new equipment, training, or marketing materials. It is important for prospective franchisees to factor in these potential changes and associated costs when evaluating the Chesters franchise opportunity.