What are considered 'Special Venues' where Cicis may develop or operate a Restaurant within the Development Area?
Cicis Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
As long as you remain in compliance with the Area Development Agreement and all Franchise Agreements, we will not develop or operate, or grant anyone else a franchise or other rights to develop and operate, a Restaurant, in the Development Area except for Special Venues. A "Special Venue" is any (1) location in which foodservice is or may be provided by a master concessionaire, (2) location which is situated within or as part of a larger venue or facility (other than a mall or shopping center) and, as a result, is likely to draw the predominance of its customers from those persons who are using or attending events in the larger venue or facility (for example, colleges/universities, convention centers, airports, hotels, sports facilities and stadiums, theme parks, hospitals, transportation facilities, convenience stores, and other similar captive market locations), or (3) distribution channel other than a Restaurant through which products and services are or may be sold.
Source: Item 12 — TERRITORY (FDD pages 38–40)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cicis's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the brand retains the right to develop or operate Restaurants, or grant others the right to do so, within a franchisee's Development Area in what are termed 'Special Venues.' These Special Venues are defined in three ways.
First, any location where foodservice is or may be provided by a master concessionaire is considered a Special Venue. Second, a Special Venue includes locations situated within or as part of a larger venue or facility (excluding malls or shopping centers) that primarily draw customers from those using or attending events at the larger venue. Examples of this type of Special Venue include colleges/universities, convention centers, airports, hotels, sports facilities and stadiums, theme parks, hospitals, transportation facilities, convenience stores, and other similar captive market locations.
Finally, any distribution channel other than a traditional Cicis Restaurant through which products and services are or may be sold also qualifies as a Special Venue. This means that Cicis retains considerable flexibility to establish alternative outlets or sales channels within a franchisee's Development Area, which could potentially compete with the franchisee's business. This is a common practice in franchising, allowing franchisors to explore diverse market segments, but it's crucial for prospective franchisees to understand the potential for internal competition.