When must a Churchs Chicken franchisee provide Cajun with a copy of the lease or deed for the Franchised Location?
Churchs_Chicken Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- **E.
Proof of Ownership, Lease or Sublease.** Within 90 days after Cajun accepts the Authorized Site, Developer shall submit to Cajun's satisfactory proof that Developer: (1) owns the Authorized Site; or (2) has leased or subleased the Authorized Site for a term, including renewal terms, for at least the initial term of the Franchise Agreement; or (3) has entered into a written agreement to purchase or to lease or sublease the Authorized Site on terms provided in Section 5.F., subject only to obtaining necessary governmental permits.
- **F.
Lease Provisions.** If Developer proposes to lease or sublease the Authorized Site, then within 90 days after Cajun accepts the Authorized Site, Developer shall provide Cajun with a copy of the fully-executed lease or sublease (for a term, including renewal terms, for at least the initial term of the Franchise Agreement) for the Authorized Site.
The lease or sublease shall not contain any covenants or other obligations that would prevent Developer from performing its obligations under the Franchise Agreement.
Developer (and the landlord) must execute the then-current form addendum to the lease agreement.
Unless waived in writing by Cajun, any lease, sublease, letter of intent or lease memorandum for the Authorized Site shall contain provisions that satisfy the following requirements during the entire term of the lease, including any renewal terms:
- (3) If the Authorized Site is leased or subleased, Cajun has received a copy of the fully-executed lease or sublease.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 68–406)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Churchs Chicken Franchise Disclosure Document, a developer must provide Cajun with proof of ownership, lease, or sublease within 90 days after Cajun accepts the authorized site. Specifically, if the developer proposes to lease or sublease the authorized site, they must provide Cajun with a copy of the fully-executed lease or sublease within this 90-day timeframe. The lease must cover a term, including renewal terms, that is at least the initial term of the Franchise Agreement.
This requirement ensures that Churchs Chicken franchisees have secured the necessary rights to occupy and operate the franchised location for the duration of the franchise agreement. It protects both the franchisee and the franchisor by confirming the franchisee's legal right to the premises. The lease or sublease should not contain any covenants or obligations preventing the franchisee from fulfilling their obligations under the Franchise Agreement.
Furthermore, the developer and landlord must execute the then-current form addendum to the lease agreement. Unless Cajun waives it in writing, any lease, sublease, letter of intent, or lease memorandum for the authorized site must contain provisions that satisfy specific requirements during the entire lease term, including any renewal terms. This ensures that the lease terms align with Churchs Chicken's requirements and protect the brand's interests.
Additionally, if the authorized site is leased or subleased, Cajun must receive a copy of the fully-executed lease or sublease before the developer can open the franchised restaurant for business. This condition is part of the broader set of requirements that developers must meet before opening, ensuring compliance and readiness for operation.