After Cicis accepts a site, what must a franchisee do before signing a lease or securing possession of the site?
Cicis Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
uested information and materials. If we accept a proposed Site, you or your approved Affiliate must sign a separate Franchise Agreement for the Site within 15 days after we provide you with an execution copy of the Franchise Agreement, failing which, we may withdraw our acceptance.
E. EXECUTION OF FRANCHISE AGREEMENTS.
Simultaneously with signing this Agreement, you or an Affiliate we approve must sign and deliver to us a Franchise Agreement and related documents representing the first Franchise you are obligated to acquire under this Agreement. You or your approved Affiliate must thereafter open and operate a Restaurant according to the terms of that Franchise Agreement. Thereafter, once we have accepted a Site, and prior to signing a lease or to otherwi
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 65–263)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cicis's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, after Cicis accepts a proposed site for a restaurant, the franchisee or an approved affiliate must sign Cicis's then-current form of Franchise Agreement and related documents before signing a lease or securing possession of the site. The terms in this Franchise Agreement may differ substantially from those in the form of Franchise Agreement used on the effective date, with the exception that the royalty rate will not exceed 5% of Gross Sales for Cicis Buffet Restaurants or 6% of Gross Sales for Cicis To Go Restaurants. The initial franchise fee will be $30,000 for Cicis Buffet Restaurants or $15,000 for Cicis To Go Restaurants.
This stipulation ensures that Cicis maintains control over the specific location and that the franchisee is bound by the most up-to-date agreement terms before making any legal commitments to the property. The franchisee needs to be aware that the terms can change and should carefully review the new Franchise Agreement to understand any differences from the initial agreement.
This requirement is fairly standard in franchising, as it allows the franchisor to ensure that all locations operate under consistent and current standards. Franchisees should pay close attention to the royalty rates and initial franchise fees, as these are critical financial obligations. Understanding these costs is essential for projecting the profitability and financial viability of the Cicis franchise location.