What costs are associated with getting a new supplier approved for Churchs Chicken, and who is responsible for paying them?
Churchs_Chicken Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- (5) If Franchisee desires to purchase any items (that Franchisee is not required to purchase from Cajun or a supplier designated by Cajun) from a supplier or distributor that Cajun has not previously approved, Franchisee shall submit to Cajun a request for approval, or shall request the supplier to seek approval.
Cajun may require, as a condition of its approval, that its representatives be permitted to inspect the supplier's or distributor'sfacilities and that samples from the supplier or distributor be delivered, at Cajun's option, either to Cajun or to an independent laboratory designated by Cajun for testing prior to granting approval.
Franchisee or the supplier or distributor must pay a charge to Cajun not to exceed Cajun's reasonable cost of inspection and the actual cost of testing.
Cajun may reinspect the facilities and products of any such approved supplier from time to time and revoke its approval upon failure of such supplier or distributor to continue to meet Cajun's criteria.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 68–406)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Churchs Chicken Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee wants to purchase items from a supplier not already approved by Churchs Chicken, either the franchisee or the supplier must request approval from Churchs Chicken. As a condition of approval, Churchs Chicken may inspect the supplier's facilities and require samples for testing.
The costs associated with this approval process include a charge to Churchs Chicken, which will not exceed Churchs Chicken's reasonable cost of inspection and the actual cost of testing. This charge is to be paid either by the franchisee or the supplier.
Churchs Chicken also retains the right to reinspect approved suppliers periodically and can revoke approval if the supplier fails to continue meeting Churchs Chicken's standards. This ensures ongoing compliance with the brand's quality and operational requirements.