factual

What kind of fixtures, furnishings, equipment, and signs are Churchs Chicken franchisees required to use?

Churchs_Chicken Franchise · 2025 FDD

Answer from 2025 FDD Document

chase all such Designated Beverage Products solely from Cajun's designated beverage supplier or suppliers.

  • (3) Franchisee shall purchase all ingredients, products, materials, supplies, paper goods, and other items required for the operation of the Franchised Restaurant, except Trade Secret Products and Designated Beverage Products, solely from suppliers and distributors who demonstrate, to the continuing reasonable satisfaction of Cajun, the ability to meet Cajun's reasonable standards and specifications for such items; who possess adequate quality controls and capacity to supply Franchisee's needs promptly and reliably; and who have been approved in writing by Cajun and such approval has not thereafter been revoked.
  • (4) Franchisee shall use only the fixtures, furnishings, equipment (including, without limitation, fryers, grills, ovens, warmers, refrigerators, freezers, waste disposal units, dishwashers, and display cases) and signs (including digital menuboards) that Cajun has approved for Church's Restaurants as meeting its specifications and standards for quality, design, appearance, function and performance. Cajun may change such specifications and standards from time to time in its discretion.
  • (5) If Franchisee desires to purchase any items (that Franchisee is not required to purchase from Cajun or a supplier designated by Cajun) from a supplier or distributor that Cajun has not previously approved, Franchisee shall submit to Cajun a request for approval, or shall request the supplier to seek approval. Cajun may require, as a condition of its approval, that its representatives be permitted to inspect the supplier's or distributor'sfacilities and that samples from the supplier or distributor be delivered, at Cajun's option, either to Cajun or to an independent laboratory designated by Cajun for testing prior to granting approval. Franchisee or the supplier or distributor must pay a charge to Cajun not to exceed Cajun's reasonable cost of inspection and the actual cost of testing. Cajun may reinspect the facilities and products of any such approved supplier from time to time and revoke its approval upon failure of such supplier or distributor to continue to meet Cajun's criteria.
  • (6) Cajun shall establish uniform criteria for approving suppliers and distributors and shall make reasonable efforts to disseminate its standards and specifications to prospective suppliers of Franchisee upon the request of Franchisee. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Cajun may elect not to make available to prospective suppliers the standards and specifications for Trade Secret Products or such food formulas or equipment designs otherwise deemed by Cajun, in its sole discretion, to be confidential.
  • (7) If Cajun requires, Franchisee shall become and remain a member of a purchasing cooperative. Franchisee shall pay all reasonable membership fees assessed by any such cooperative.
  • (8) If Franchisee orders supplies through a purchasing system operated by Cajun, Cajun may charge a reasonable fee or surcharge for such services.

Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 68–406)

What This Means (2025 FDD)

According to Churchs Chicken's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must use only the fixtures, furnishings, equipment, and signs that Cajun, the franchisor, has approved. These items must meet Churchs Chicken's specifications and standards for quality, design, appearance, function, and performance. This includes, but is not limited to, fryers, grills, ovens, warmers, refrigerators, freezers, waste disposal units, dishwashers and display cases, and signs including digital menuboards.

If a franchisee wants to purchase items from a supplier not previously approved by Churchs Chicken, they must seek approval from Cajun. Cajun may inspect the supplier's facilities and require samples for testing, with the franchisee bearing the costs of inspection and testing. Cajun also has the right to periodically reinspect approved suppliers and revoke approval if they fail to meet the established criteria.

During the development and operation of a franchised location, developers must also adhere to these standards. They are required to procure and install specific cash registers, point-of-sale systems, data processing equipment, computer hardware, telephone and power lines, internet connections, modems, printers, and related software as specified by Churchs Chicken. Furthermore, franchisees must display only approved signs, emblems, lettering, logos, and display materials, ensuring that all aspects of the restaurant's equipment and signage align with the franchisor's standards.

Churchs Chicken also has the right to modify the system, including required equipment and signage. Franchisees are obligated to accept and implement these changes, incurring any reasonable expenditures necessary to comply with the updated standards. This ensures uniformity and consistency across all Churchs Chicken locations, maintaining brand standards and customer experience.

Disclaimer: This information is extracted from the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document and is provided for research purposes only. It does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with a franchise attorney before making any investment decisions.