Does Chesters have the right to change authorized menu items for Chesters restaurants?
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, Chesters retains the right to modify the required and authorized menu items and services. As a franchisee, you are obligated to offer and sell all menu items and products that Chesters periodically requires for restaurants operated at your location type. You are prohibited from offering or selling any menu items or products that Chesters has not authorized.
Chesters's right to change menu items and services is unrestricted, meaning they can make these changes at any time without limitations. Once a menu item, product, or service is no longer authorized, your restaurant must immediately stop offering it. This condition ensures uniformity across all Chesters locations and allows Chesters to adapt to market trends and customer preferences.
This provision has significant implications for a prospective franchisee. It means that the menu you initially sign up to offer may change during your franchise term. You must be prepared to adapt your offerings to align with Chesters's decisions. Failure to comply with these changes could result in a breach of your franchise agreement. While this flexibility benefits Chesters, it places the onus on the franchisee to stay updated and implement changes promptly.