When developing a Churchs Chicken franchise, can a franchisee rely on opinions from Cajun or its representatives regarding structural integrity or building codes?

According to the 2025 Churchs Chicken Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are explicitly prohibited from relying on opinions expressed by Cajun or its representatives regarding structural integrity, safety, construction procedures, building codes, or ordinances. This responsibility falls solely on the franchisee and their chosen architect. Cajun's construction representatives are limited to ensuring that development plans and other requirements under the franchise agreement are met. Cajun and its employees do not act as an architect or agent of the franchisee.

This means that a prospective Churchs Chicken franchisee must engage their own qualified professionals, such as architects and engineers, to ensure the structural integrity and code compliance of their restaurant. This is a standard practice in franchising, as the franchisee typically bears the responsibility for site selection and construction, while the franchisor focuses on brand standards and operational consistency.

Cajun's final inspection and authorization to open a franchised restaurant does not represent a warranty that the restaurant has been constructed according to any architectural, engineering, or legal standards. It only signifies that Cajun is satisfied that the minimum requirements for design and layout consistency have been met. Therefore, franchisees must not consider Cajun's approval as a substitute for their own due diligence and professional assessments.