Does Chop5 Salad Kitchen need to approve the architects and engineers?

According to Chop5 Salad Kitchen's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, Chop5 Salad Kitchen must approve the architects, engineers, contractors, and other suppliers that the franchisee uses to construct their restaurant.

This means that a prospective franchisee cannot simply hire any architect or engineer they choose. Chop5 Salad Kitchen retains the right to vet and approve these professionals to ensure they meet the brand's standards and requirements. This approval process is part of ensuring consistency and quality across all Chop5 Salad Kitchen locations.

The franchisee is responsible for hiring a licensed and bonded architect to prepare the initial design plans for the construction of their restaurant and leasehold improvements. The initial design plans must be approved by Chop5 Salad Kitchen to ensure they are consistent with the brand's system standards. After the initial design plans are approved, the architect must prepare detailed construction plans that are consistent with the approved design plans, satisfy all required standards and specifications in the manual, and comply with all laws, building codes, permit and lease requirements and restrictions applicable to the premises. The final construction plans must be submitted to Chop5 Salad Kitchen for approval to verify that the construction plans are consistent with the brand's system standards. The franchisee is responsible for the expense of constructing and equipping the premises according to the approved construction plans and the specifications in the manual, and must also purchase (or lease) and install all equipment, fixtures, signs and other items that Chop5 Salad Kitchen requires.