Is there a charge for the initial restaurant-readiness review assessment conducted by Chesters?
Chesters Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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Before you open your Restaurant, we will conduct a restaurant-readiness review assessment at no additional charge to you. However, if we determine that your Restaurant does not pass the assessment and we must reassess the Restaurant multiple times, we have the right to
charge you our costs and expenses. We currently estimate this cost to be approximately $1,000 per assessment. This payment is not refundable.
Financing for Core Equipment, Signage, Fixtures, and Supplies
As detailed in Item 10, we have a program with a third-party equipment lender, Ascentium Capital, a division of Regions Bank ("Ascentium"), to finance the purchase price for certain of the core equipment, signage, fixtures, and supplies you will need for your Restaurant. You will not pay us any monies or fees directly, but Ascentium will pay us the financed amount for the purchased core equipment, signage, fixtures, and supplies you will need for your Restauran
Source: Item 5 — INITIAL FEES (FDD pages 13–14)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Chesters's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Chesters conducts an initial restaurant-readiness review assessment before the restaurant opens at no additional charge to the franchisee. However, if the restaurant fails the initial assessment and Chesters needs to conduct multiple reassessments, Chesters reserves the right to charge the franchisee for the costs and expenses incurred for each subsequent assessment. Chesters estimates this cost to be approximately $1,000 per assessment. This payment is non-refundable.
This means that while the first assessment is free, a franchisee could incur significant additional costs if their restaurant is not ready to pass the initial assessment. It is crucial for franchisees to ensure their restaurant meets all of Chesters's standards and requirements before the initial assessment to avoid these extra expenses. These standards will be found in the manuals provided to the franchisee.
Prospective franchisees should carefully review Chesters's requirements for the restaurant-readiness review and prepare thoroughly. Understanding the criteria and ensuring compliance can help avoid the $1,000 fee for each reassessment. Franchisees should also inquire about the specific reasons for failing the assessment to address the issues effectively and efficiently.