If Cicis remains silent regarding the approval or rejection of architectural plans, is this considered approval of the plans for a Cicis franchise?
Cicis Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- (5) adapting the prototypical architectural and design plans and specifications for construction of your Restaurant that we provide you as necessary for the construction of your Restaurant and submit such adapted plans to us for review and approval.
If we object to any such plans, then we
will provide you with a reasonably detailed list of changes necessary to make the plans acceptable, and you must submit revised plans. You may not use any plans until we have approved them in writing. Our silence with respect to approval or rejection of the plans will not be deemed to be approval of the plans;
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 64–65)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cicis's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, silence from Cicis regarding architectural plan approval does not constitute approval. The franchisee must adapt the provided prototypical architectural and design plans and submit them to Cicis for review and approval. If Cicis objects to the plans, they will provide a detailed list of necessary changes, and the franchisee must submit revised plans. The franchisee cannot use any plans until Cicis has approved them in writing.
This stipulation protects Cicis's brand standards and ensures uniformity across all franchise locations. It prevents franchisees from deviating from the established design and potentially compromising the brand image. The requirement for written approval places the onus on the franchisee to obtain explicit consent before proceeding with construction based on the architectural plans.
For a prospective Cicis franchisee, this means that active communication and documentation are crucial during the construction phase. It is essential to obtain written approval of the architectural plans to avoid potential disputes or the need for costly rework later on. Franchisees should factor in the time required for plan review and revisions into their construction schedule to prevent delays in opening their Cicis restaurant.