What does Cicis define as 'Manuals'?
Cicis Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
During the Term, we will provide you with access to our manuals applicable to the development and operation of Cicis Restaurants (collectively, the "Manuals").
We will determine the content of the Manuals, the frequency in which it may be updated, and the manner and format in which it is delivered or made available to you.
The Manuals may contain both mandatory specifications, standards, operating procedures and rules that we periodically prescribe for operating Cicis Restaurants and other specifications, standards and policies we may periodically suggest, and information on your other obligations under this Agreement (the "System Standards"), and other suggested specifications, standards and procedures.
We may periodically modify the Manuals, including in the form of memoranda and newsletters, to reflect changes in System Standards.
Our master copy of the Manuals is the controlling copy.
The Manuals and any passwords and access credentials are part of our Confidential Information (defined below) and must be protected against improper use and disclosure.
You may disclose the Manuals to your employees who need to know its contents provided they are themselves bound by written obligations of confidentiality.
You may not at any time copy, duplicate, record, or otherwise reproduce, distribute or publish any part of the Manuals or use its contents in any other business.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 64–65)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cicis's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the 'Manuals' collectively refer to the manuals applicable to the development and operation of Cicis Restaurants. Cicis determines the content, update frequency, manner, and format of these manuals. These manuals may contain mandatory specifications, standards, operating procedures, and rules that Cicis periodically prescribes for operating Cicis Restaurants. They also include other suggested specifications, standards, policies, and information on the franchisee's obligations under the Franchise Agreement, which are referred to as the 'System Standards'.
The Manuals are subject to periodic modifications by Cicis, potentially through memoranda and newsletters, to reflect changes in System Standards. The master copy of the Manuals maintained by Cicis is the controlling version. The Manuals, along with any passwords and access credentials, are considered Confidential Information and must be protected against improper use and disclosure. Franchisees are allowed to disclose the Manuals to their employees who need to know the contents, provided those employees are bound by written confidentiality obligations.
Prospective Cicis franchisees should understand that they cannot copy, duplicate, record, reproduce, distribute, or publish any part of the Manuals, nor can they use the contents in any other business. Compliance with the Manuals is essential for maintaining uniformity across all Cicis Restaurants and adhering to the brand's standards, specifications, policies, and procedures. Franchisees must also operate their restaurants in accordance with the Manuals and any other written directives issued by Cicis, ensuring adherence to the standards and guidelines set forth by the franchisor.