Are Cicis franchisees required to update computer hardware and software upon request?
Cicis Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You will, upon our request, make other improvements to your Restaurant premises, equipment (including computer hardware and software), game room equipment, signs, interior and exterior decor items, fixtures, furnishings, supplies, and other products and materials required for the operation of your Restaurant, to our then current System Standards.
At our discretion, you must purchase, from a supplier that we designate, install, and maintain (1) the point of sale and computer system and all ancillary and peripheral equipment and components and software that we require and (2) all other hardware and software we require in connection with your Restaurant's operations (e.g. kitchen display systems, customer service platforms, and delivery platforms); any or all of which may be upgraded, substituted, and/or changed at our sole discretion at any time (each component and collectively, "Cicis Approved POS System"). You must enter into, and pay for, all license or other agreements with us, our affiliates, or third parties which are necessary for you to obtain and maintain the right to use the software programs we require. You acknowledge and agree that we will have electronic access to the information compiled and managed by such software and hardware at the times and in the manner that we specify. You must maintain a secure technology infrastructure that meets our requirements from time to time. All technology used to support the Cicis Approved POS System must maintain the most current PCI DSS-compliance (compliance with the thencurrent regulations of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards council or its successor and other regulations and industry standards applicable to the protection of customer privacy and credit card information, including but not limited to the Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act (FACTA)) and must meet our requirements, which may change from time to time.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 64–65)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cicis's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to make improvements to their restaurant premises and equipment, including computer hardware and software, upon Cicis's request. These improvements must align with Cicis's current System Standards. Additionally, franchisees must purchase, install, and maintain the point of sale and computer system, along with all related equipment and software, from a supplier designated by Cicis.
This requirement ensures uniformity and compliance with Cicis's standards across all franchise locations. It allows Cicis to implement system-wide updates and improvements to maintain a consistent brand image and customer experience. The franchisee is responsible for the costs associated with these updates, which can include purchasing new hardware, software licenses, and installation services.
Furthermore, Cicis has the discretion to upgrade, substitute, or change any component of the Cicis Approved POS System at any time. Franchisees must enter into and pay for all necessary license agreements with Cicis, its affiliates, or third parties to maintain the right to use the required software programs. Cicis also retains electronic access to the information managed by the franchisee's software and hardware.
The franchisee is obligated to maintain a secure technology infrastructure that meets Cicis's requirements and complies with PCI DSS standards and other applicable regulations for protecting customer privacy and credit card information. This ensures that all Cicis locations adhere to the latest security protocols and protect sensitive customer data.