Is a Chocolate Fish Coffee franchisee required to hire sufficient employees before opening?
Chocolate_Fish_Coffee Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
l Executive and one additional general manager must complete Chocolate Fish Franchising's training program for new franchisees to Chocolate Fish Franchising's satisfaction at least four weeks before opening the Business.
- 6.5 Conditions to Opening. Franchisee shall notify Chocolate Fish Franchising at least 30 days before Franchisee intends to open the Business to the public. Before opening, Franchisee must satisfy all of the following conditions: (1) Franchisee is in compliance with this Agreement, (2) Franchisee has obtained all applicable governmental permits and authorizations, (3) the Business conforms to all applicable System Standards, (4) Chocolate Fish Franchising has inspected and approved the Business, (5) Franchisee has hired sufficient employees, (6) Franchisee's officers and employees have completed all of Chocolate Fish Franchising's required pre-opening training; and (7) Chocolate Fish Franchising has given its written approval to open, which will not be unreasonably withheld.
- 6.6 Opening Date. Franchisee shall open the Business to the public on or before the date stated on the Summary Page.
**ARTICLE 7.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 41–119)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Chocolate Fish Coffee's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee must hire sufficient employees before opening their business. Specifically, before opening, the franchisee must satisfy several conditions, including hiring sufficient employees. Chocolate Fish Franchising also provides suggested staffing levels and guidelines for hiring employees. However, the FDD states that all hiring decisions and conditions of employment are the franchisee's sole responsibility.
This means that while Chocolate Fish Coffee offers guidance on staffing, the franchisee is ultimately responsible for determining the number of employees needed to operate the business effectively and for all employment-related decisions. The franchisor must inspect and approve the business before opening.
This requirement ensures that the Chocolate Fish Coffee location is adequately staffed to meet customer demand and maintain service standards from day one. Failing to meet this condition could delay the opening of the franchise until staffing levels are deemed adequate by Chocolate Fish Franchising. Franchisees should carefully consider the suggested staffing levels provided by Chocolate Fish Coffee and assess their local market conditions to determine the appropriate number of employees to hire.