Can Chop5 Salad Kitchen require a franchisee to send samples from a non-approved supplier for testing?
Chop5_Salad_Kitchen Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
t to our evaluation but cannot be described in writing.
If you wish to purchase or lease a source-restricted item from a non-approved supplier, you must send us a written request for approval and submit all additional information we request. We may require that you send us samples from the supplier for testing. We may also require that we be allowed to inspect the supplier's facility.
We will use best efforts to notify you of our decision within 45 days after we receive your request for approval and all additional information and samples we require. If we fail to issue our written approval within the 45-day period, we are deemed to have disapproved the proposed supplier. We may periodically re-inspect the facilities and products of an approved supplier and revoke our approval if the supplier fails to meet our then-current criteria. You must reimburse us for all costs we incur to review products and suppliers you propose.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 20–23)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Chop5 Salad Kitchen's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee wishes to purchase or lease a source-restricted item from a supplier that is not already approved, Chop5 Salad Kitchen requires a written request for approval. As part of this request, Chop5 Salad Kitchen may require the franchisee to submit samples from the non-approved supplier for testing. Chop5 Salad Kitchen may also require access to inspect the supplier's facility.
Chop5 Salad Kitchen states that it will use its best efforts to notify the franchisee of its decision regarding the supplier approval within 45 days after receiving the request, all additional information, and the requested samples. If Chop5 Salad Kitchen fails to provide written approval within this 45-day period, the supplier is considered disapproved. Chop5 Salad Kitchen retains the right to periodically re-inspect the facilities and products of any approved supplier and can revoke approval if the supplier no longer meets Chop5 Salad Kitchen's current criteria.
The franchisee is responsible for reimbursing Chop5 Salad Kitchen for all costs incurred during the review of the products and suppliers they propose. This process ensures that Chop5 Salad Kitchen maintains control over the quality and standards of goods and services used in the operation of its franchises, but it also places the onus on the franchisee to cover the expenses associated with seeking approval for alternative suppliers.