How does the Cicis Franchise Agreement define an 'affiliate'?
Cicis Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
A. We grant franchises for the development, ownership, and operation of restaurants (each, a "Cicis Restaurants") that are identified by and use names, trademarks, service marks, commercial symbols, and trade dress (including exterior and interior designs, décor, and color schemes) that we authorize, from time to time (collectively, the "Marks"), and that feature foods (currently pizza, pastas, salads, desserts, and other food items) and related items. Cicis Restaurants are developed and operated using specified systems, operating platforms, service methods, products and services, we and our affiliates may, at our and their option, change, delete, improve, and further develop from time to time (the "System"). There are two types of Cicis Restaurants: (i) dine-in buffet restaurants ("Cicis Buffet Restaurants"), and (ii) take-out/delivery only restaurants ("Cicis To Go Restaurants").
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 64–65)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
I am unable to provide a definition of 'affiliate' as it pertains to the Cicis Franchise Agreement, according to the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. While the term 'affiliates' is mentioned in the context of Cicis granting franchises and operating restaurants, the document does not contain a specific definition. A prospective franchisee should ask Cicis for the precise definition used in their agreements to fully understand the scope of the term and its implications for their franchise.