Does Chicken Guy have the right to change ingredients?
Chicken_Guy Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
B. Approved Products, Distributors and Suppliers.
(1) Franchisee acknowledges that the reputation and goodwill of Chicken Guy! Restaurants are based upon, and can only be maintained by, the sale of distinctive, high quality food products and beverages, and the presentation, packaging and service of such products and beverages in an efficient and appealing manner. Chicken Guy may develop certain proprietary food products that will be
prepared by or for Chicken Guy according to Chicken Guy's proprietary special recipes and formulas (collectively "proprietary products"). Chicken Guy also has developed standards and specifications for other food products, ingredients, seasonings, mixes, beverages, materials and supplies incorporated or used in the preparation, cooking, serving, packaging and delivery of prepared food products authorized for sale at Chicken Guy! Restaurants. Franchisee agrees that it will: (a) purchase those proprietary products only from Chicken Guy or a third party designated and licensed by Chicken Guy to prepare and sell such products (collectively "designated suppliers"); (b) use the proprietary products only in accordance with the Manual and for items sold at the Franchised Restaurant; and (c) purchase from manufacturers, distributors, vendors and suppliers approved by Chicken Guy (collectively "approved suppliers") all other goods, food products, ingredients, spices, seasonings, mixes, beverages, materials and supplies used in the preparation of products (collectively "goods"), as well as advertising materials furniture, fixtures, equipment, smallwares, menus, menu boards, forms, paper and plastic products, packaging or other materials (collectively "materials") that meet the standards and specifications promulgated by Chicken Guy from time to time. Chicken Guy has the right to require that Franchisee use only certain brands and to prohibit Franchisee from using other brands. Chicken Guy may from time to time modify the list of approved brands (including certain brands of soft drinks and bottled beverages), and Franchisee shall not, after receipt of such modification in writing, reorder any brand that is no longer an approved brand. Chicken Guy may from time to time modify the list of designated suppliers and/or approved suppliers, and Franchisee shall not, after receipt of such modification in writing, order any proprietary products from a supplier who is no longer a designated supplier or order any goods or materials from a supplier who is no longer an approved supplier.
Source: Item 16 — RESTRICTIONS ON WHAT THE FRANCHISEE MAY SELL (FDD page 40)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Chicken Guy's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Chicken Guy has the right to modify the ingredients used in the preparation of food products. Chicken Guy may develop proprietary food products prepared according to their own recipes and formulas. Franchisees are required to purchase these proprietary products only from Chicken Guy or designated suppliers. Franchisees must also purchase all other goods, food products, ingredients, spices, seasonings, mixes, beverages, materials, and supplies from manufacturers, distributors, vendors, and suppliers approved by Chicken Guy.
Chicken Guy has the right to require franchisees to use only certain brands and to prohibit them from using other brands. Chicken Guy may modify the list of approved brands, including soft drinks and bottled beverages, and franchisees must comply with these modifications after receiving written notice. Similarly, Chicken Guy can modify the list of designated and approved suppliers, and franchisees must adhere to these changes. These standards and specifications are detailed in the Manual provided to franchisees, which also covers the selection, purchase, storage, preparation, packaging, ingredients, recipes, service, and sale of all products and beverages.
Chicken Guy also has the right to modify the Manual, menu, equipment, signage, building and premises, presentation of marks, administrative forms, and payment methods. Franchisees must accept and implement these changes as if they were part of the original agreement and must make the necessary expenditures to comply. Chicken Guy can also introduce new menu items or discontinue existing ones, requiring franchisees to start or stop selling items within 30 days of written notice. All items must be sold under the name designated by Chicken Guy, who can also restrict sales to certain times of the day. Franchisees cannot add or modify menu items or participate in test market programs without prior written approval from Chicken Guy and must purchase any additional equipment deemed necessary for new menu items.