What right does Chesters have regarding advertising and promotional materials that franchisees propose to use?

According to Chesters's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Chesters retains the right to review and approve or disapprove all advertising and promotional materials that a franchisee proposes to use. This means that franchisees cannot use any advertising or promotional materials that Chesters has not approved or has specifically disapproved. While Chesters does not provide a contractual timeframe for responding to franchisees' submissions, they expect to respond within 30 days.

This level of control is typical in franchising, as franchisors need to maintain brand consistency and protect their trademarks. By requiring approval of advertising materials, Chesters can ensure that all marketing efforts align with the brand's overall strategy and image. This also prevents franchisees from using materials that could be misleading or harmful to the brand.

Furthermore, franchisees are prohibited from developing, maintaining, or authorizing any website that mentions Chesters's trademarks without prior written approval. This provision is in place to control the brand's online presence and ensure that all online content meets Chesters's standards. This is particularly important in today's digital age, where a significant amount of marketing and customer interaction occurs online.

Prospective franchisees should be aware of these restrictions and factor them into their marketing plans. While franchisees are responsible for advertising their restaurant at their own expense, they must work within the guidelines set by Chesters. This includes advertising on DOT signs on nearby interstates, if available, and adhering to the franchisor's approval process for all advertising and promotional materials.