Does Chesters provide information about the restaurant's layout requirements and signs?
Chesters Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Before you open your Restaurant, we (and/or one of our Area Developers) will:
- Give you information about the Restaurant's layout requirements and signs. [Agreement — Section 6]
- Review and approve your plans and specifications for the Restaurant and conduct a restaurant-readiness review assessment. [Agreement — Section 6]
Site Selection
We first must approve your site before signing the Agreement, even if you already have a site picked out for the Restaurant. When you approach us, we will give you our site-selection criteria for a Restaurant. Factors we consider in evaluating Restaurant sites include (1) a site's visibility from adjacent traffic arteries, (2) ease of entry from and exit to adjacent streets, (3) the size, density, and income levels of population in the surrounding area, (4) the rental market in the area, (5) types of nearby businesses, (6) projected cost of leasehold improvements, and (7) proximity to another franchised Restaurant or to a Licensed Restaurant. We must accept all sites before you have the right to sign any lease, sublease, or other document for the site.
We anticipate that it takes approximately 2 to 4 months after the Agreement is signed and you pay the training fee before the Restaurant is ready to open. Factors affecting this timeframe include construction and remodeling schedules; local ordinance and/or building code compliance; schedules for installing equipment and signs; completing brand standard training programs; delivering and stocking inventory; and other events beyond your control. You must open the Restaurant for business within 180 days after signing the Agreement.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 24–29)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Chesters's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Chesters provides franchisees with information regarding the restaurant's layout and signage before the restaurant opens. Chesters will review and approve the franchisee's plans and specifications for the restaurant and conduct a restaurant-readiness review assessment.
Chesters must approve the restaurant site before the franchise agreement is signed, even if the franchisee has already picked out a location. When a franchisee approaches Chesters with a potential site, Chesters will provide its site-selection criteria. Factors considered include the site's visibility, ease of access, population density and income levels, the rental market, nearby businesses, projected leasehold improvement costs, and proximity to other Chesters restaurants. Chesters has the right to accept or reject a proposed location but will not select a site for the franchisee.
The FDD also states that the time between signing the agreement and opening the restaurant is approximately 2 to 4 months. Factors affecting this timeframe include construction and remodeling schedules, local ordinances and building codes, and schedules for installing equipment and signs. The franchisee must open the restaurant within 180 days after signing the agreement.