For a Churchs Chicken franchise, what fixtures, furnishings, equipment, and signs are developers required to use?
Churchs_Chicken Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ontractors and architects duly licensed by the jurisdiction in which each Franchised Restaurant is located. Cajun shall have the right to reject Developer's general contractors and architects in its sole discretion.
- (4) Developer shall complete construction or renovation and each Franchised Restaurant shall be furnished, equipped and shall otherwise be ready to open for business in accordance with this Agreement no later than the opening date specified in Schedule 2 ("Opening Date"). Cajun may, in its sole discretion, accept a later Opening Date to address unforeseen construction delays, not within the control of Developer, provided that Cajun reserves the right to require Developer to pay a Development Extension Fee as set forth in Section 3.D. On or before the applicable Opening Date, Developer, at its sole expense, shall, without limitation:
- (a) obtain and maintain all required building, utility, sign, health, sanitation, business and other permits and licenses applicable to the Franchised Restaurant;
- (b) construct all required improvements to the premises and decorate the exterior and interior of the Franchised Restaurant in compliance with the Construction Plans accepted by Cajun;
- (c) purchase or lease and install all specified and required fixtures, equipment, furnishings and interior and exterior signs required for the Franchised Restaurant; and
- (d) purchase an opening inventory for the Franchised Restaurant of only authorized and approved products and other materials and supplies.
C. Acquisition of Necessary Furnishings, Fixtures and Equipment.
- (1) In the development and operation of a Franchised Restaurant, Developer shall use only the fixtures, furnishings, equipment and signs that Cajun has approved for Church's Restaurants as meeting its specifications and standards for quality, design, appearance, function and performance. Developer shall procure and install such cash registers, point-of-sale systems and equipment, data processing equipment, computer hardware, dedicated telephone and power lines, high speed Internet connections, modems, printers and other computer-related accessory or peripheral equipment, with such software and programs, as Cajun specifies from time to time in the Manual or otherwise, at Developer's expense. Developer shall place or display at the Franchised Restaurant (interior and exterior) only those signs, emblems, lettering, logos and display materials that Cajun approves in writing from time to time.
- (2) Developer shall purchase or lease approved brands, types or models of fixtures, furnishings, equipment and signs only from suppliers designated or approved by Cajun, which may include Cajun. If Developer proposes to purchase, lease or otherwise use any fixtures, furnishings, equipment or signs which have not been approved by Cajun, Developer shall first notify Cajun in writing and shall, at its sole expense, submit to Cajun sufficient specifications, photographs, drawings and/or other information or samples for a determination as to whether those fixtures, furnishings, equipment and/or signs comply with Cajun's specifications and standards. If the request is approved in Cajun sole discretion, Cajun will notify Developer within 30 days after Cajun receives the request.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 68–406)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Churchs Chicken's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, developers must use only the fixtures, furnishings, equipment, and signs that Cajun (presumably Churchs Chicken's parent company) has approved. These items must meet Churchs Chicken's specifications and standards for quality, design, appearance, function, and performance. This requirement ensures brand consistency and quality across all Churchs Chicken locations.
Specifically, developers must procure and install cash registers, point-of-sale systems and equipment, data processing equipment, computer hardware, dedicated telephone and power lines, high-speed Internet connections, modems, printers, and other computer-related accessories as specified in the Manual or otherwise by Cajun. Additionally, only signs, emblems, lettering, logos, and display materials approved in writing by Cajun can be placed or displayed at the franchised restaurant, both inside and outside.
Developers are required to purchase or lease approved brands, types, or models of these items only from suppliers designated or approved by Cajun, which may include Cajun itself. If a developer wishes to use any fixtures, furnishings, equipment, or signs not already approved, they must first submit detailed specifications, photographs, drawings, or samples to Cajun for approval. Cajun has 30 days to respond to the request; failure to respond within that timeframe means the request is not approved. Failure to comply with these specifications can result in delays in the restaurant's opening until the development is brought into full compliance, at the developer's expense.
For existing franchisees, Churchs Chicken also mandates the upkeep of the franchised restaurant, including all furniture, fixtures, equipment, furnishings, floor coverings, interior and exterior signage, the building interior and exterior, interior and exterior lighting, landscaping and parking lot surfaces in first-class condition and repair. This includes periodic remodeling, redecorating, refurbishing, and repairs as prescribed by Churchs Chicken, ensuring that all locations maintain a consistent brand image and meet the company's standards over time.