If Cicis assumes interim management of a Cicis restaurant, does this relieve the franchisee of their obligations under the agreement?
Cicis Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We may (but are not obligated to) assume such interim management of your Restaurant; provided that (i) our interim management of your Restaurant will not relieve you of your obligations under this Agreement; (ii) we will not be liable for any debts, losses, costs, or expenses incurred in the operation of your Restaurant during any such period of interim management; (iii) we will have the right to charge a reasonable fee for our management services, plus the direct out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in the operation of the Restaurant; and (iv) you will, and hereby do, indemnify and hold us harmless against any and all judgments, fines, losses, liabilities, costs, amounts paid in settlement, and reasonable expenses (including, but not limited to attorneys' fees) incurred in connection with our interim management of your Restaurant, except by reason of our gross negligence or willful misconduct.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 64–65)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cicis' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if Cicis assumes interim management of a restaurant, the franchisee is not relieved of their obligations under the franchise agreement.
Specifically, Cicis may assume interim management of a restaurant at the request of the executor, administrator, or other personal representative of a deceased or disabled franchisee. This is to provide management until a transfer has been effected. However, Cicis's involvement does not release the franchisee from their responsibilities as outlined in the agreement.
Furthermore, Cicis will not be liable for any debts, losses, costs, or expenses incurred during this interim management period. Cicis also has the right to charge a reasonable fee for its management services, in addition to covering direct out-of-pocket costs. The franchisee is required to indemnify and hold Cicis harmless against any judgments, fines, losses, liabilities, costs, amounts paid in settlement, and reasonable expenses, including attorney's fees, unless these issues arise from Cicis's gross negligence or willful misconduct.