When constructing a Churchs Chicken Franchised Restaurant, is the Developer allowed to modify the standard plans and specifications without written consent from Cajun?
Churchs_Chicken Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
(1) Developer assumes all cost, liability and expense for developing, constructing and equipping each Franchised Restaurant. Cajun will make available to Developer standard plans and specifications to be utilized only in the construction of a Franchised Restaurant. No modification to, or deviations from, the standard plans and specifications may be made without the prior written consent of
Cajun. Developer shall obtain, at its expense, further qualified architectural and engineering services to prepare surveys, site and foundation plans and to adapt the standard plans and specifications to applicable local or state laws, regulations or ordinances. Developer shall bear the cost of preparing plans containing deviations or modifications from the standard plans. Developer shall use only registered architects, registered engineers, and professional and licensed contractors.
(2) Within 90 days after Developer receives notice of Cajun's site acceptance for each Franchised Restaurant, Developer shall submit to Cajun, and obtain Cajun's acceptance of, the final and complete plans and specifications for the construction (or renovation) and decoration of the Franchised Restaurant, which must be in conformity with Cajun's standards and specifications for Franchised Restaurants, as set out in the current Manual or otherwise in writing ("Construction Plans"). The Construction Plans shall include, but are not limited to, floor plans, equipment layouts, décor, and interior and exterior elevations.
- (3) If Developer builds any portion of a Franchised Restaurant outside of Cajun's specifications without receiving Cajun's prior written consent, Cajun shall have the right, in additional all other rights provided in this Agreement, to delay the opening of the Franchised Restaurant until Developer, at its sole expense, brings the Franchised Restaurant's development within full compliance of Cajun's specifications.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 68–406)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Churchs Chicken's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a developer is not allowed to modify the standard construction plans and specifications without prior written consent from Cajun. Cajun provides standard plans and specifications that must be followed during construction.
However, the developer is responsible for adapting these standard plans to comply with local or state laws, regulations, or ordinances. The developer must also bear the costs of preparing any plans that include deviations or modifications from the standard plans. These modified plans must be submitted to Cajun for acceptance within 90 days of site acceptance.
If a developer builds any part of the Churchs Chicken restaurant outside of Cajun's specifications without prior written consent, Cajun has the right to delay the opening of the restaurant until the developer brings the construction into full compliance with Cajun's specifications. This ensures that all Churchs Chicken restaurants maintain a consistent brand image and meet the required standards.