What is the definition of a 'Special Venue' according to the Cicis franchise agreement?
Cicis Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
As long as you are in compliance with this Agreement and except with respect to Special Venues (defined below), we will not, during the Term, (1) operate or grant a Franchise to anyone
else to develop or operate a Cicis Restaurant within the Development Area, or (2) grant Development Rights to anyone else within the Development Area. 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 Cicis Restaurant through which products and services are or may be sold.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 65–263)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Cicis Franchise Disclosure Document, a 'Special Venue' is defined within the context of exclusivity and reservation of rights. Specifically, the agreement states that while a franchisee is in compliance with the agreement, Cicis will not operate or grant a franchise to anyone else to develop or operate a Cicis Restaurant within the Development Area, except with respect to Special Venues.
The 2025 FDD defines a 'Special Venue' as any of the following: (1) a location in which foodservice is or may be provided by a master concessionaire, (2) a location situated within a larger venue or facility (excluding malls or shopping centers) that is likely to draw the majority of its customers from those using or attending events in the larger venue or facility. Examples of such venues include 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) a distribution channel other than a Cicis Restaurant through which products and services are or may be sold.
This definition is important for prospective franchisees because it clarifies the scope of their exclusive territory. Cicis retains the right to operate or franchise locations within 'Special Venues' even if those venues are located within a franchisee's Development Area. This means a franchisee's exclusive rights are limited, and Cicis could potentially establish a presence in locations within the franchisee's territory that are considered 'Special Venues'.
For a prospective franchisee, this means that while you may have certain assurances regarding the exclusivity of your territory, Cicis retains considerable latitude to operate or franchise other locations within that territory that fall under the definition of 'Special Venue.' It is important to understand the potential impact of these exceptions on the potential customer base and revenue projections for a franchise location.