Does Chocolate Bash require franchisees to offer all goods and services that they mandate?
Chocolate_Bash Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
"System Standards" means, as of any given time, the then-current mandatory procedures, requirements, and/or standards of the System as determined by CB Franchising, which may include without limitation, any procedures, requirements and/or standards for appearance, business metrics, cleanliness, customer service, design (such as construction, decoration, layout, furniture, fixtures and signs), equipment, inventory, marketing and public relations, operating hours, presentation of Marks, product and service offerings, quality of products and services (including any guaranty and warranty programs), reporting, safety, technology (such as computers, computer peripheral equipment, smartphones, point-of-sale systems, back-office systems, information management systems, security systems, video monitors, other software, backup and archiving systems, communications systems (including email, audio, and video systems), payment acceptance systems, and internet access, as well as upgrades, supplements, and modifications thereto), uniforms, and vehicles.
Source: Item 16 — RESTRICTIONS ON WHAT THE FRANCHISEE MAY SELL (FDD page 30)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Chocolate Bash's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must adhere to the System Standards, which include mandatory procedures, requirements, and standards determined by CB Franchising. These standards may encompass various aspects such as product and service offerings and the quality of those offerings. Therefore, Chocolate Bash franchisees are required to offer the goods and services that Chocolate Bash mandates as part of the System Standards.
System Standards are defined as the mandatory procedures, requirements, and/or standards of the Chocolate Bash system as determined by CB Franchising. These standards can include requirements for product and service offerings and the quality of products and services. This means that Chocolate Bash has the authority to set specific requirements for what franchisees must offer to customers.
This requirement ensures consistency across all Chocolate Bash locations, maintaining brand uniformity and customer expectations. Franchisees must stay informed about any changes to the System Standards to ensure compliance. A prospective franchisee should clarify with Chocolate Bash how frequently these standards change and what input franchisees have in the process.