Does a Chesters franchisee have the right to offer or sell menu items that Chesters has not authorized?
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.
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, a franchisee is required to offer and sell all menu items and products that Chesters periodically requires for restaurants of their location type. The franchisee does not have the right to offer or sell any menu items or products that Chesters has not authorized.
Chesters retains the right to periodically change the required and/or authorized menu items, services, and equipment specifications, including the required POS system. There are no limits on Chesters's right to make these changes. Once a menu item, product, or service is no longer authorized, the restaurant is prohibited from offering or selling it.
This means that a Chesters franchisee must strictly adhere to the menu and product offerings dictated by Chesters. They cannot introduce new items or discontinue existing ones without Chesters's approval. This level of control is typical in many franchise systems to maintain brand consistency and quality control across all locations. A prospective franchisee should carefully consider whether they are comfortable with this level of restriction before investing in a Chesters franchise.