In the event of a Crisis Situation at a Churchs Chicken franchise, what are the franchisee's immediate required actions?
Churchs_Chicken Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
A. If an event occurs at the Franchised Restaurant that has, or may reasonably be expected to, cause harm or injury to customers, guests or employees (i.e., food spoilage/poisoning, food tampering/sabotage, slip and fall injuries, natural disasters, robberies, shootings, etc.) or may damage the Proprietary Marks, the System or the reputation of Cajun (collectively "Crisis Situation"), Franchisee shall: (1) immediately contact appropriate emergency care providers to assist it in curing the harm or injury; and (2) immediately inform Cajun by telephone of the Crisis Situation. Franchisee shall refrain from making
any internal or external announcements (i.e., no communication with the news media) regarding the Crisis Situation (unless otherwise directed by Cajun or public health officials).
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 68–406)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Churchs Chicken Franchise Disclosure Document, a "Crisis Situation" is defined as an event at the franchised restaurant that has, or may reasonably be expected to, cause harm or injury to customers, guests, or employees (such as food spoilage/poisoning, food tampering/sabotage, slip and fall injuries, natural disasters, robberies, or shootings) or may damage the Proprietary Marks, the System, or the reputation of Cajun.
In the event of a Crisis Situation, a Churchs Chicken franchisee must take the following immediate actions: first, they must immediately contact appropriate emergency care providers to assist in curing the harm or injury. Second, the franchisee must immediately inform Cajun (the franchisor) by telephone of the Crisis Situation.
Furthermore, the Churchs Chicken franchisee is required to refrain from making any internal or external announcements, including communication with the news media, regarding the Crisis Situation unless otherwise directed by Cajun or public health officials. This restriction ensures that the franchisor maintains control over public messaging and manages the situation in a way that protects the brand's reputation.