Can a Cicis franchisee install unapproved fixtures or equipment on the Restaurant premises?
Cicis Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- (4) To purchase or lease and install all fixtures, furnishings, equipment (including computer hardware and software), decor items, signs, delivery vehicles, and related items as we may reasonably direct from time to time in the Manuals or otherwise in writing; and to refrain from installing or permitting to be installed on or about your Restaurant premises, without our prior written consent, any fixtures, furnishings, equipment, delivery vehicles, decor items, signs, video or other games, vending machines, or other items not previously approved as meeting our standards and specifications, as set forth in the Manuals.
If you lease from a third party any of the property described above, such lease must be approved by us, in writing, prior to execution.
Our approval will be conditioned upon such lease containing a provision which permits any interest of yours in the lease to be assigned to us upon the termination or expiration of this Agreement and which prohibits the lessor from imposing an assignment or related fee upon us in connection with such assignment.
Our specification, review, or approval of any fixtures, furnishings, equipment, or other items will not constitute a warranty, express or implied, as to such item, and we will not have any liability or responsibility with respect to the lack of suitability of, or defects in, any such item.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 64–65)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Cicis Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are generally prohibited from installing unapproved fixtures, furnishings, or equipment on the premises of their restaurant. Specifically, franchisees must get prior written consent from Cicis before installing any fixtures, furnishings, equipment, delivery vehicles, decor items, signs, video or other games, vending machines, or other items that have not been previously approved as meeting Cicis' standards and specifications as outlined in the manuals. This requirement ensures uniformity and compliance with the brand's standards across all franchise locations.
This restriction extends to both purchased and leased items. If a franchisee chooses to lease any of the aforementioned property from a third party, the lease agreement must also be approved in writing by Cicis before execution. The approval is conditional upon the lease containing a provision that allows Cicis to assume the franchisee's interest in the lease upon termination or expiration of the Franchise Agreement. Additionally, the lease must not impose any assignment or related fees on Cicis in connection with such an assignment.
Cicis also retains the right to direct franchisees to purchase or lease and install specific fixtures, furnishings, equipment, decor items, and signs. However, the FDD clarifies that Cicis' specification, review, or approval of any fixtures, furnishings, equipment, or other items does not constitute a warranty, express or implied, as to such item, and Cicis will not have any liability or responsibility with respect to the lack of suitability of, or defects in, any such item. This means that while franchisees must adhere to Cicis' standards, they assume the risk related to the performance and suitability of the approved items.