Is Chocolate Bash obligated to further assist in locating a site after the initial review?

According to Chocolate Bash's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, Chocolate Bash is not obligated to provide further assistance in locating a site after the initial review. However, Chocolate Bash will review and advise franchisees regarding potential locations that they submit. If a franchisee signs a Multi-Unit Development Agreement, Chocolate Bash will approve the location of future sites and territories for those sites, and Chocolate Bash's then-current standards for sites and territories will apply.

Chocolate Bash does not select the site for the franchisee. The site is subject to Chocolate Bash's approval, and to obtain this approval, the franchisee must provide all required information and documents about the site. Factors that Chocolate Bash considers in approving sites include general location and neighborhood, competition, trade area demographics, traffic patterns, parking, size, physical characteristics of existing buildings, and lease terms.

The time limit for Chocolate Bash to approve or disapprove a proposed site is 30 days after the franchisee submits all required documents and information. If Chocolate Bash and the franchisee cannot agree on a site, the franchisee will be unable to comply with their obligation to develop and open the franchise by the deadline stated in the franchise agreement. Unless Chocolate Bash agrees to extend the deadline, the franchisee will be in default, and Chocolate Bash may terminate the franchise agreement.

Chocolate Bash is not obligated to assist franchisees in conforming the premises of their site to local ordinances and building codes or obtaining any required permits; this is the franchisee's responsibility.