Does Cajun's satisfaction with minimum design requirements mean a Churchs Chicken restaurant meets all engineering standards?

According to Churchs Chicken's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Cajun's final inspection and authorization to open a franchised restaurant does not guarantee that the restaurant meets all architectural, engineering, or legal standards. It simply means that Cajun is satisfied that the minimum design and layout requirements have been met. This distinction is important for prospective franchisees to understand.

Churchs Chicken franchisees are responsible for ensuring their restaurant complies with all applicable architectural, engineering, and legal standards. While Cajun oversees that the restaurant meets its brand standards for design and layout, franchisees must not assume this oversight covers all regulatory requirements. This responsibility includes obtaining necessary permits and ensuring the site is free from environmental contamination and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

Therefore, a Churchs Chicken franchisee should engage qualified professionals, such as licensed contractors and architects, to ensure full compliance with all relevant standards and regulations. Relying solely on Cajun's approval could expose the franchisee to potential liabilities if the restaurant does not meet all required standards. Franchisees should also not rely on any opinions expressed by Churchs Chicken regarding structural integrity, safety, construction procedures, building codes, or other matters that are the responsibility of the franchisee and their architect.