Can Cajun change or modify the Churchs Chicken system, including the manual?
Churchs_Chicken Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ontents of the Manual, passwords or other digital identifications to any person other than employees of the Franchised Restaurant who need to know its contents. Franchisee may not at any time copy, duplicate, record, or otherwise reproduce any part of the Manual.
- D. Obligation. Franchisee shall at all times operate the Franchised Restaurant in strict conformity with the Manual; maintain the Manual at the Franchised Restaurant; not reproduce the Manual or any part of it; treat the Manual as confidential and proprietary; and disclose the contents of the Manual only to those employees of Franchisee who have a need to know.
7. MODIFICATIONS OF THE SYSTEM
A. Right To Modify. Cajun, in its sole discretion, may from time to time change or modify the System, including modifications to the Manual, the menu and menu formats, the required equipment, the signage, the building and premises of a Church's Restaurant (including the trade dress, décor and color schemes), the presentation of the Proprietary Marks, the adoption of new administrative forms and methods of reporting and of payment of any monies owed to Cajun (including electronic means of reporting and
payment) and the adoption and use of new or modified Proprietary Marks or copyrighted materials. Franchisee shall accept and use or display in the Franchised Restaurant any such changes or modifications in the System as if they were a part of the System at the time this Agreement was executed, and Franchisee will make such expenditures as the changes or modifications in the System may reasonably require.
- B. Menu Items; Prices. Within 30 days after receipt of notice from Cajun, Franchisee shall begin selling any newly required menu items and cease selling any menu items that are no longer authorized. Franchisee shall offer all authorized food, beverage and merchandise items under the specific name designated by Cajun. Cajun, in its sole discretion, may restrict sales of menu items to certain time periods during the day. Franchisee may establish menu prices in its sole and absolute discretion. Franchisee shall not add or modify any menu item or participate in a test market program without having obtained Cajun's prior approval. Franchisee shall purchase any additional equipment and smallwares as Cajun deems reasonably necessary in connection with new menu items.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 68–406)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Churchs Chicken's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Cajun, at its sole discretion, can modify the Churchs Chicken system, including the manual. These modifications can include changes to the menu, required equipment, signage, building design, and even the presentation of trademarks.
As a Churchs Chicken franchisee, you are obligated to accept and implement these changes as if they were part of the original agreement. This includes making any necessary expenditures to comply with the updated system standards. The manual, which contains detailed standards for restaurant operation, can be supplemented or amended by Cajun through various communication methods, including electronic mail and updates to the franchise website.
Franchisees must keep their copy of the manual current with all changes and purchase any equipment necessary to receive these updates. In case of a dispute regarding the manual's contents, the master copy maintained by Cajun will be the controlling reference. Franchisees are also responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of the manual and its contents, only disclosing it to employees who need to know the information.