For a Churchs Chicken franchise, is a developer allowed to modify the standard construction 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.
- (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 the 2025 Churchs Chicken Franchise Disclosure Document, a developer is not allowed to modify the standard construction plans and specifications without prior written consent from Cajun. Churchs Chicken will provide standard plans and specifications to be utilized in the construction of a franchised restaurant.
The franchisee bears all costs associated with developing, constructing, and equipping the franchised restaurant. The franchisee must also obtain 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. The franchisee bears the cost of preparing plans containing deviations or modifications from the standard plans and must use only registered architects, registered engineers, and professional and licensed contractors.
If a developer builds any portion of a franchised restaurant outside of Cajun's specifications without receiving Cajun's prior written consent, Cajun has the right to delay the opening of the franchised restaurant until the developer brings the restaurant's development into full compliance with Cajun's specifications, at the developer's sole expense. This ensures that all Churchs Chicken restaurants maintain a consistent brand image and meet the company's standards.