Is Chop5 Salad Kitchen responsible for purchasing the premises and leasing it to me?

According to Chop5 Salad Kitchen's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisor does not purchase the premises and lease it to the franchisee. The franchisee is ultimately responsible for finding an approved site for their restaurant. Chop5 Salad Kitchen requires the franchisee to contract with their designated Real Estate Company to assist in finding suitable sites.

The FDD states that the franchisee must identify and obtain Chop5 Salad Kitchen's approval of the site within 180 days after signing the Franchise Agreement. Failure to meet this deadline may result in the termination of the Franchise Agreement. Chop5 Salad Kitchen tries to approve or disapprove sites within 30 days after receiving all required materials, and considers factors such as parking, visibility, traffic, and local demographics when reviewing potential sites.

While Chop5 Salad Kitchen does not review the substantive terms of the lease, the franchisee must use best efforts to ensure the landlord signs the Lease Addendum attached to the Franchise Agreement. This addendum is designed to protect Chop5 Salad Kitchen's interests, such as requiring the landlord to notify them of defaults and allowing them to take assignment of the lease in certain situations. If the landlord refuses to sign the Lease Addendum, Chop5 Salad Kitchen may waive the requirement or require the franchisee to find a new site.