Is there a limit on Chesters' right to change required menu items and services?
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. You must operate the Restaurant in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations. You are not limited in the customers with whom the Restaurant does business from its premises.
Source: Item 16 — RESTRICTIONS ON WHAT THE FRANCHISEE MAY SELL (FDD page 35)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Chesters Franchise Disclosure Document, Chesters has the right to periodically change required and/or authorized menu items and services, and there are no limits on their right to do so. This means that Chesters, at its discretion, can modify the menu and services that franchisees are required to offer. Once a menu item, product, or service is no longer authorized, the franchisee must discontinue offering it.
This policy gives Chesters significant control over the brand's offerings and allows them to adapt to market trends or introduce new products and services as they see fit. However, it also means that franchisees must be prepared to adjust their operations and investments based on Chesters' decisions. Franchisees do not have the option to continue selling unauthorized items.
For a prospective franchisee, this underscores the importance of staying informed about any changes Chesters implements and being prepared to adapt their business accordingly. While this flexibility can be beneficial in keeping the brand current, it also introduces a level of uncertainty and the potential need for additional investment in new equipment, ingredients, or training to accommodate these changes. Franchisees should factor this potential for change into their business planning and financial projections.