What must a supplier demonstrate to Churchs Chicken to be an approved supplier for items needed to operate the Restaurant (excluding Trade Secret Products, Proprietary Products, and items that you must purchase from designated suppliers)?
Churchs_Chicken Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must purchase all items (except for Trade Secret Products, Proprietary Products, and items that you must purchase from designated suppliers) needed to operate the Restaurant (such as french fries, flour, food trays, paperwares, etc.) only from suppliers and distributors who demonstrate, to our continuing and reasonable satisfaction, the ability to meet our reasonable standards for those items; who possess adequate quality controls and capacity to supply your needs promptly and reliably; and as to whom we have given (and not revoked) our written approval.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 31–34)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Churchs Chicken's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, to become an approved supplier (excluding suppliers of Trade Secret Products, Proprietary Products, and designated suppliers), a supplier must demonstrate to Churchs Chicken's continuing and reasonable satisfaction their ability to meet the brand's standards for the items they provide. They must also show that they possess adequate quality controls and have the capacity to supply a franchisee's needs promptly and reliably. Finally, Churchs Chicken must provide written approval of the supplier, which it reserves the right to revoke.
This requirement ensures that franchisees maintain Churchs Chicken's quality and operational standards. By mandating that suppliers meet specific criteria and obtain written approval, Churchs Chicken aims to control the consistency and reliability of the products used in its restaurants. This process helps protect the brand's reputation and ensures customers receive a consistent experience across all locations.
If a franchisee wishes to use a non-approved supplier, they or the supplier must submit a written request for approval. Churchs Chicken may require the supplier to allow inspections of its facilities and provide samples for testing, either to Churchs Chicken or an independent laboratory. The approval process can take between 30 days for simple items and up to 18 months for complex food formulas. The franchisee or supplier is responsible for covering the costs of inspection and testing. Churchs Chicken reserves the right to periodically reinspect approved suppliers and revoke approval if standards are no longer met.
Churchs Chicken provides its standards in its Manual, which is lent to franchisees upon signing the Franchise Agreement and paying the initial Franchise Fee. These standards may be updated periodically, and franchisees will be notified of any changes in writing or electronically. While Churchs Chicken typically develops these standards internally, they may also collaborate with suppliers in the process.