If Cicis adopts an advertising policy, must a franchisee comply with it?
Cicis Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
For any product or service for which we do not impose a maximum or minimum price, we may require you to comply with an advertising policy adopted by us which will prohibit you from advertising any price for a product or service that is different than our suggested retail
price. Although you must comply with any advertising policy we adopt, you will not be prohibited from selling any product or service at a price above or below the suggested retail price unless we impose a maximum price or minimum price for such product or service.
Source: Item 16 — RESTRICTIONS ON WHAT THE FRANCHISEE MAY SELL (FDD pages 44–45)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cicis's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must comply with any advertising policy adopted by Cicis. However, this compliance does not prevent a franchisee from selling products or services at prices above or below the suggested retail price, unless Cicis imposes a maximum or minimum price for such items.
Cicis may set maximum or minimum prices for products and services offered at the restaurant. If such prices are set, the franchisee can charge any price within that range. For products without a set maximum or minimum price, Cicis may implement an advertising policy that prohibits franchisees from advertising prices different from the suggested retail price.
This policy allows Cicis to maintain some control over how its brand is perceived in the market, particularly regarding pricing. However, it also provides franchisees with some flexibility in setting prices, unless Cicis specifically sets a price range. Franchisees should be aware of these potential restrictions and how they might affect their ability to compete in their local market.