For a Churchs Chicken franchise, what are the requirements for purchasing or leasing and installing fixtures, equipment, furnishings, and signs?
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. If Cajun does not respond to the request within 30 days, the request is not approved.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 68–406)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Churchs Chicken's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must adhere to strict guidelines regarding fixtures, equipment, furnishings, and signs. Specifically, franchisees must use only the fixtures, furnishings, equipment, and signs that Cajun (the franchisor) has approved for Church's Restaurants. These items must meet Cajun's specifications and standards for quality, design, appearance, function, and performance. This ensures brand consistency and quality across all Churchs Chicken locations.
Franchisees 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 franchisee wishes to use any fixtures, furnishings, equipment, or signs not already approved, they must first notify Cajun in writing and submit detailed specifications, photographs, drawings, or samples for approval. Cajun has 30 days to respond to the request. Failure to respond within 30 days means the request is not approved. This process allows Churchs Chicken to maintain control over the brand's image and operational standards.
Prior to opening, the franchisee must purchase or lease and install all specified and required fixtures, equipment, furnishings, and interior and exterior signs required for the Franchised Restaurant. Furthermore, franchisees must certify to Cajun in writing that the installation of all items of furnishings, fixtures, equipment, signs, computer terminals and related equipment, supplies and other items has been accomplished. This requirement ensures that the restaurant is fully equipped and compliant with Churchs Chicken's standards before commencing operations.
Churchs Chicken also mandates ongoing upkeep of the franchised restaurant, including all furniture, fixtures, equipment, furnishings, and signage. Franchisees are responsible for maintaining these elements in first-class condition and repair, in accordance with the System's requirements. This includes performing necessary maintenance, repairs, and replacements, such as periodic painting, resurfacing of the parking lot, roof repairs, and replacement of obsolete or worn-out items. Franchisees are also required to complete a full reimaging, renovation, and refurbishment of the Franchised Restaurant to modernize and conform to the image of the System for new Church's Restaurants within the time frame required by Cajun.