Can Chocolate Fish Coffee specify the systems a franchisee must use in the Manual?
Chocolate_Fish_Coffee Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
ate Fish Coffee business.
"Required Vendor" means a supplier, vendor, or distributor of Inputs which Chocolate Fish Franchising requires franchisees to use.
"System Standards" means, as of any given time, the then-current mandatory procedures, requirements, and/or standards of the System as determined by Chocolate Fish 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 days, 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.
"Territory" means the territory stated on the Location Acceptance Letter.
"Transfer" means for Franchisee (or any Owner) to voluntarily or involuntarily transfer, sell, or dispose of, in any single or series of transactions, (i) substantially all of the assets of the Business, (ii) this Agreement, (iii) any direct or indirect ownership interest in the Business, or (iv) control of the Business.
ARTICLE 2. GRANT OF LICENSE
- 2.1 Grant. Chocolate Fish Franchising grants to Franchisee the right to operate a Chocolate Fish Coffee business solely at the Location. If no Location is stated on the Summary Page when this Agreement is signed, then the parties will determine the Location in accordance with Section 6.1. Franchisee shall develop, open and operate a Chocolate Fish Coffee business at the Location for the entire term of this Agreement.
- 2.2 Protected Territory. Chocolate Fish Franchising shall not establish, nor license the establishment of, another business within the Territory selling the same or similar goods or services under the same or similar trademarks or service marks as a Chocolate Fish Coffee business. Chocolate Fish Franchising retains the right to:
- (i) establish and license others to establish and operate Chocolate Fish Coffee businesses outside the Territory, notwithstanding their proximity to the Territory or their impact on the Business;
- (ii) operate and license others to operate businesses anywhere that do not operate under the Chocolate Fish Coffee brand name; and
- (iii) sell and license othersto sell products and services in the Territory through channels of distribution (including the internet) other than Chocolate Fish Coffee outlets.
- 2.3 Franchisee Control. Franchisee represents that it will identify each owner, officer and director of Franchisee, and describes the nature and extent of each owner's interest in Franchisee.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 41–119)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Chocolate Fish Coffee's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to use specific systems as designated by the franchisor. The "System Standards," as defined in the FDD, encompass mandatory procedures, requirements, and standards determined by Chocolate Fish Franchising. These standards may include requirements for 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.
Specifically, franchisees must acquire and use all software and related systems required by Chocolate Fish Franchising. This includes entering into any subscription and support agreements, upgrading or replacing software as required, and protecting the confidentiality and security of all software systems. Chocolate Fish Franchising is granted unlimited access to the franchisee's point of sale system and other software systems used in the business, by any means they designate.
Furthermore, Chocolate Fish Coffee franchisees are obligated to sell gift cards, participate in loyalty programs, and adhere to all procedures related to these systems as specified in the Manual or in writing by Chocolate Fish Franchising. They must also accept payment from customers in any form or manner designated by Chocolate Fish Franchising, which may include cash, credit/debit cards, gift cards, electronic fund transfer systems, and mobile payment systems. These stipulations ensure that franchisees maintain consistent operational and technological standards across all Chocolate Fish Coffee locations.