How is 'Landlord' or 'Master Landlord' defined in the Churchs Chicken Sublease?
Churchs_Chicken Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
(d) The following basic definitions and provisions apply to this Sublease:
(i) "Landlord" or "Master Landlord" as used in this Sublease means only the owner of the current interest of Landlord in the Premises or, as the case may be, the successor thereto from time to time.
In the event of any transfer at any time of the interest of Landlord, and the written assumption of the obligations under this Sublease by the transferee, the transferor shall be and is entirely freed and relieved of all covenants and obligations of Landlord under this Sublease thereafter arising, and it shall be deemed and construed without further agreement between the parties or their respective successors in interest or between the parties and the transferee that the transferee of Landlord's interest has assumed and agreed to carry out any and all covenants and obligations of Landlord under this Sublease.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 68–406)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Churchs Chicken's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Sublease defines "Landlord" or "Master Landlord" as the owner of the current interest in the Premises or their successor. This definition clarifies that the 'Landlord' refers to whoever currently owns the property or takes ownership in the future.
This definition is important for a Churchs Chicken franchisee because it establishes who they should direct communications and obligations to regarding the property. If the property ownership changes, the new owner automatically becomes the 'Landlord' under the Sublease, assuming the obligations of the previous landlord are transferred in writing.
The Sublease also states that if the interest of the Landlord is transferred, and the obligations under the Sublease are assumed in writing by the transferee, the transferor is freed and relieved of all covenants and obligations of the Landlord under the Sublease. This means the new Landlord takes on all responsibilities, and the previous Landlord is no longer liable. This ensures continuity and clarity regarding who is responsible for the property-related obligations throughout the term of the Sublease.