Who is responsible for ensuring a Churchs Chicken Authorized Site complies with the ADA?
Churchs_Chicken Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Cajun assumes no liability or responsibility for: (a) evaluation of an Authorized Site's soil for hazardous substances; (b) inspection of any structure on the Authorized Site for asbestos or other toxic or hazardous materials; (c) compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act ("ADA"); or (d) compliance with any other applicable law.
It is Developer's sole responsibility to obtain satisfactory evidence and/or assurances that the Authorized Site (and any structures thereon) is free from environmental contamination and complies with the ADA and other applicable laws.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 68–406)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Churchs Chicken's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Developer is solely responsible for ensuring that an Authorized Site complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Cajun, the franchisor, assumes no liability or responsibility for ADA compliance.
This means that prospective Churchs Chicken franchisees, referred to as 'Developers' in the FDD, must obtain satisfactory evidence and assurances that the site they choose for their restaurant, including any existing structures, meets all ADA requirements. This responsibility includes all costs associated with ensuring ADA compliance.
Franchisees cannot rely on any opinions or assurances from Churchs Chicken or its representatives regarding ADA compliance. The FDD clearly states that Cajun's final inspection and authorization to open a franchised restaurant does not represent or warrant that the restaurant meets any legal standards for design or workmanship, including ADA standards. This places the onus entirely on the franchisee to conduct thorough due diligence and secure professional advice to guarantee compliance.