If a Chicken Guy franchisee purchases local advertising from a source other than the franchisor, what must they do?
Chicken_Guy Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You may purchase local advertising and promotion materials from any source that we approve. From time to time, we, or our designee, may furnish you with marketing, advertising and promotional materials at the cost of producing them, plus any related shipping, handling and storage charges. You may not modify such materials without our prior written consent. If you purchase these materials from a source other than us or our affiliates, these materials must comply with federal and local laws and regulations and with the guidelines for advertising and promotions promulgated from time to time by us or our designee and must be submitted to us or our designee at least 30 days prior to first use for approval, which we may grant or withhold in its sole discretion. All of your marketing, advertising and promotional materials must bear the Proprietary Marks in the form, color, location and manner that we prescribe. In no event may your advertising contain any statement or material which, in our sole discretion, may be considered: (1) in bad taste or offensive to the public or to any group of persons; (2) defamatory of any person or an attack on any competitor; (3) to infringe upon the use, without permission, of any other persons' trade name, trademark, service mark or identification; or (4) inconsistent with our public image or that of the System.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 25–34)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Chicken Guy's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee chooses to purchase local advertising and promotional materials from a source other than Chicken Guy or its affiliates, they must adhere to specific guidelines and approval processes. These materials must comply with all federal and local laws and regulations, as well as the advertising and promotion guidelines set forth by Chicken Guy.
Specifically, the franchisee is required to submit these advertising and promotional materials to Chicken Guy or its designee at least 30 days before their intended first use. This advance submission is necessary for Chicken Guy to review and approve the materials, which the franchisor may grant or withhold at its sole discretion. This process allows Chicken Guy to ensure that all advertising aligns with the brand's image and standards.
Furthermore, all marketing, advertising, and promotional materials must prominently display Chicken Guy's Proprietary Marks in the prescribed form, color, location, and manner. The advertising content must not contain any statements or material that Chicken Guy, in its sole discretion, considers to be in bad taste, offensive, defamatory, infringing on others' trademarks, or inconsistent with the brand's public image. This level of control ensures brand consistency and protects Chicken Guy's reputation.
This requirement is fairly standard in franchising, as franchisors typically want to maintain tight control over brand messaging and image. Prospective Chicken Guy franchisees should factor in this approval timeline when planning their local marketing efforts to ensure compliance and avoid delays.