What is the purpose of the Chesters Marketing Support Fee?
Chesters Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Type of fee* | Amount | Due Date | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marketing Support Fee | $200 per quarter We have the right to increase this fee upon 90 days’ prior written notice to you, although the quarterly fee will not exceed $325 | 4 times per year on the dates we designate Payment is due by credit card or automatic debit | This is for physical or digital samples of marketing materials we will prepare and periodically send you. We do not require your participation in advertising funds or cooperatives. |
| Marketing Support Fee for Special Offerings or Promotions | Not to exceed $200 per special offering or promotion | When billed Payment is due by credit card or automatic debit | Due if we implement special offerings or promotions for CHESTER’S Restaurants during the franchise term. |
Source: Item 6 — OTHER FEES (FDD pages 14–16)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Chesters's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Marketing Support Fee covers the cost of physical or digital samples of marketing materials that Chesters will prepare and periodically send to franchisees. This fee is set at $200 per quarter, payable four times per year on dates designated by Chesters. Payment is due via credit card or automatic debit. Chesters retains the right to increase this fee with 90 days' prior written notice, but the quarterly fee will not exceed $325.
In addition to the standard Marketing Support Fee, Chesters may also charge a Marketing Support Fee for Special Offerings or Promotions, which will not exceed $200 per special offering or promotion. This fee is due when billed, also payable by credit card or automatic debit, and is incurred if Chesters implements special offerings or promotions for Chesters Restaurants during the franchise term.
It is important to note that Chesters does not require franchisee participation in advertising funds or cooperatives, which can be a significant cost consideration for franchisees in other systems. The Marketing Support Fee structure allows Chesters to provide franchisees with marketing materials without mandating additional advertising contributions. This could be seen as a benefit, as it provides a predictable cost for marketing support, although franchisees should be aware that the fee can be increased with notice, up to a specified maximum.