What specific point-of-sale systems, hardware, and software is a Churchs Chicken franchisee required to procure and install, as specified in the Manual or otherwise?
Churchs_Chicken Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
C. Point-of-Sale Systems, Hardware and Software
(1) Franchisee shall procure and install such point-of-sale systems and equipment, data processing equipment, computer hardware, tablets, dedicated telephone and power lines, high speed Internet connections, secure firewall, WifI, 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 Franchisee's expense.
Franchisee grants to Cajun the right to retrieve any data and information from Franchisee's computers as Cajun, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate, including electronically polling the daily sales, menu mix and other data of the Franchised Restaurant.
(2) Franchisee shall at its sole expense: (a) use any proprietary software programs, system documentation manuals and other proprietary materials provided to Franchisee by Cajun in connection with the operation of the Franchised Restaurant; (b) input and maintain in Franchisee's computer such data and information as Cajun prescribes in the Manual, software programs, documentation or otherwise; and (c) purchase new or upgraded software programs, system documentation manuals and other proprietary materials at then-current prices whenever Cajun adopts such new or upgraded programs, manuals and materials system-wide.
(3) Cajun may, in its sole discretion, require Franchisee to: (a) add memory, ports and other accessories or peripheral equipment or additional, new or substitute software to the original point-ofsale and computer system purchased by Franchisee; and (b) replace or upgrade the entire point-of-sale and computer system with a larger system capable of discharging the tasks and functions specified by Cajun.
Franchisee acknowledges that point-of-sale and computer designs and functions change periodically and that Cajun may make substantial modifications to its specifications or require installation of entirely different systems during the Initial Term or any Renewal Term or upon renewal of this Agreement.
(4) Franchisee, at its own expense, shall keep its point-of-sale and computer system in good maintenance and repair and make additions, changes, modifications, substitutions and replacements to its point-of-sale and computer hardware, software, internet, wifi, telephone and power lines and other computer-related facilities as directed by Cajun and on the dates and within the times specified by Cajun in its sole discretion.
**D.
Non-Cash Payment Systems.** Within a reasonable period of time following Cajun's request, Franchisee shall accept debit cards, credit cards, stored value gift cards or other non-cash systems specified by Cajun to enable customers to purchase authorized products and shall obtain all necessary hardware and/or software used in connection with these non-cash systems.
Franchisee shall be solely responsible for ensuring that all credit card, debit card and similar systems used by Franchisee comply with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI-DSS) and any similar standards applicable to payment card systems.
Franchisee must provide Cajun annual proof of PCI-DSS Compliance via SAQ and QSA certification or via a third party.
Franchisee is required to procure a P2Pe encrypted payment terminal for credit and debit payment transaction processing.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 68–406)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Churchs Chicken's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must acquire and install point-of-sale systems and equipment, data processing equipment, computer hardware, tablets, dedicated telephone and power lines, high-speed internet connections, a secure firewall, WiFi, modems, printers, and other computer-related accessories or peripheral equipment, along with the software and programs that Churchs Chicken specifies. These specifications are communicated through the Manual or other means, and the franchisee bears the expense. Churchs Chicken retains the right to access data and information from the franchisee's computers, including daily sales and menu mix data. Franchisees are also required to use proprietary software programs and maintain data as prescribed by Churchs Chicken.
Churchs Chicken may require franchisees to upgrade or replace their point-of-sale and computer systems with larger or different systems. Franchisees are responsible for maintaining their point-of-sale and computer systems in good repair and for making any additions, changes, or modifications as directed by Churchs Chicken. These changes must be implemented on the dates and within the times specified by Churchs Chicken.
Furthermore, Churchs Chicken requires franchisees to accept debit cards, credit cards, stored value gift cards, or other non-cash systems to enable customer purchases. Franchisees must obtain all necessary hardware and software for these non-cash systems and ensure compliance with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI-DSS). Franchisees must provide annual proof of PCI-DSS compliance and are required to procure a P2Pe encrypted payment terminal for processing credit and debit card transactions. The Manual contains detailed standards, specifications, instructions, requirements, methods, and procedures for the development, management, and operation of the franchised restaurant, and franchisees must operate in strict conformity with the Manual.