Does Chicken Guy reserve the right to change or improve the Chicken Guy system?
Chicken_Guy Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
The distinguishing characteristics of the System include, without limitation, uniform and distinctive exterior and interior design and layout, including specially designed décor and furnishings; special recipes and menu items; procedures and techniques for food and beverage preparation and service; automated management information and control systems for inventory controls, cash controls and sales analysis; technical assistance and training through course instruction and manuals; and advertising and promotional programs. The System and its components may be changed, improved and further developed by Chicken Guy from time to time.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 50)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Chicken Guy's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Chicken Guy has the right to change and improve the franchise system. The FDD states that the Chicken Guy system and its components may be changed, improved, and further developed by Chicken Guy from time to time. This includes modifications to the Proprietary Marks, where Chicken Guy can select another name to identify the system and require franchisees to change items bearing the Proprietary Marks to the new name.
Chicken Guy also has the authority to introduce new menu items and discontinue existing ones. Franchisees are required to begin selling newly authorized menu items within 30 days of written notice from Chicken Guy and cease selling any menu items that are no longer authorized. All food, beverage, and merchandise must be offered under the name designated by Chicken Guy, who can also restrict sales of menu items to certain times of the day. While franchisees can suggest new menu items or changes, they cannot implement them without Chicken Guy's prior written approval and must purchase any additional equipment deemed necessary by Chicken Guy for new menu items.
Furthermore, Chicken Guy can request renovations to modernize the franchised restaurant to conform to the system's image, but not more often than every 5 years. Franchisees are responsible for preparing and completing drawings and plans for the required modernization within 60 days of receiving written notice from Chicken Guy, and these plans must be approved by Chicken Guy before work commences. Franchisees are expected to accept and implement any changes or modifications to the system as if they were part of the original agreement and will incur the expenditures required by these changes.
These stipulations mean that franchisees must stay flexible and adaptable to changes implemented by Chicken Guy to maintain brand consistency and competitiveness. While franchisees can offer suggestions, the ultimate decision-making power rests with Chicken Guy, and franchisees are obligated to comply with these changes, including bearing the associated costs. This highlights the importance of a strong working relationship between Chicken Guy and its franchisees, as well as the franchisee's ability to manage and adapt to evolving system standards.