Is a Cicis franchisee's conviction of a felony a non-curable default?
Cicis Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Provision | Section in | Summary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Area Development Agreement – Section 5.C. | Franchise or other Agreement | You must (i) pay all amounts due us and our affiliates and third- party vendors; (ii) not be in default; (iii) provide us all information and documents we reasonably request including copies of all agreements executed in relation to transfer; (iv) execute a general release; (v) remain liable for pre-transfer obligations; (vi) pay or caused to be paid a transfer fee; and (vii) execute a non-compete agreement. Transferee must (i) meet our criteria; (ii) assume post-transfer obligations; and (iii) execute our then-standard Area Development Agreement. | |
| n. Franchisor’s right of first refusal to acquire franchisee’s business | Franchise Agreement – Section 13.C. Area Development Agreement – Section 5.F. | Within 30 days after notice, we have the option to purchase the transferred interest on the same terms and conditions offered by a third party. Within 30 days after notice, we have the option to purchase the transferred interest on the same terms and conditions offered by a third party. | |
| amount equal to your Original Cost (defined in the Franchise | |||
| Agreement), plus | 10%; (ii) 6 | to 12 months following | the |
| Provision | Section in Franchise or other Agreement Area Development Agreement - Section 6. | Summary Under the Area Development Agreement, you have 30 days to cure defaults not listed in (h) below. You may also cure defaults under any other agreement with between you (or your affiliates or guarantors) and us (or our affiliates) within the applicable cure period, if any. | |
| h. "Cause" defined – non-curable defaults | Franchise Agreement – Section 15.A. | If you (or any of your owners, as applicable) (i) become insolvent; (ii) operate your Cicis Restaurant at a location we have not approved or sell any products or services authorized by us; (iii) fail to acquire the right to possess the location or to develop and open your Cicis Restaurant for business within the prescribed timeframe; (iv) fail to construct or remodel your Cicis Restaurant in accordance with the approved plans and specifications; (v) lose the right to possess the premises of your Cicis Restaurant; (vi) close your Cicis Restaurant for business or inform us of your intention to permanently cease operation of your Cicis Restaurant (except as permitted under the Reopen Incentive Addendum), (vii) fail to actively operate your Cicis Restaurant for 3 or more consecutive days, (viii) otherwise abandon or appear to have abandoned your rights; (ix) are convicted of or plead guilty to felony or any other crime or offense that we believe is reasonably likely to have an adverse effect on the System, the Marks, or our goodwill; (x) endanger or threaten public health or safety from the construction, maintenance, or operation of your Cicis Restaurant; (xi) fail to ensure that you and your required personnel complete our initial training; (xii) make or attempt an unauthorized transfer; (xiii) fail, refuse, or neglect promptly to pay (or cause your affiliates to pay) any monies owing to us, any of our affiliates, or the designated suppliers or to submit the financial or other information required by us; (xiv) are in default of any other agreement with us, our affiliate or our designated suppliers (including the Area Development Agreement); (xv) engage in Competing Businesses; (xvi) fail to comply with the confidentiality obligations; (xvii) falsify records; or (xviii) are in breach of your (or their) obligations. |
Source: Item 17 — RENEWAL, TERMINATION, TRANSFER AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION (FDD pages 45–53)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cicis's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee's conviction of a felony can be considered a non-curable default. Specifically, if a franchisee (or any of their owners) is convicted of or pleads guilty to a felony or any other crime or offense that Cicis believes is reasonably likely to negatively impact the Cicis system, the brand's marks, or its goodwill, it constitutes a non-curable default. This means Cicis has grounds to terminate the franchise agreement without providing an opportunity for the franchisee to correct the issue.
This provision gives Cicis significant power to protect its brand and reputation. The determination of whether a crime is "reasonably likely to have an adverse effect" is at Cicis's discretion, introducing a degree of subjectivity. A prospective franchisee should carefully consider this clause, as it could lead to termination even if the crime is not directly related to the operation of the Cicis restaurant.
In the franchise industry, it is relatively common for franchisors to include clauses that allow for termination upon a franchisee's conviction of a felony or other serious crime, particularly those that could damage the brand's reputation or pose a risk to customers or employees. However, the specific language and the franchisor's interpretation of what constitutes a damaging crime can vary. Therefore, it is important for a potential Cicis franchisee to fully understand the implications of this clause and to seek legal counsel if necessary.