Does Cicis make any promises upon which franchisees may rely?
Cicis Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ATTACHMENT D TO FRANCHISE AGREEMENT
REPRESENTATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT STATEMENT
DO NOT SIGN THIS QUESTIONNAIRE IF YOU ARE LOCATED, OR YOUR RESTAURANT WILL BE LOCATED IN: ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MARYLAND, OR VIRGINIA.
The purpose of this Statement is to demonstrate to On Smile LLC ("Franchisor") that the person(s) signing below ("I," "me" or "my"), whether acting individually or on behalf of any legal entity established to acquire the area development and/or franchise rights ("Franchisee"), (a) fully understands that the purchase of a Cicis Buffet Restaurant or Cicis To Go Restaurant franchise is a significant long-term commitment, complete with its associated risks, and (b) is not relying on any statements, representations, promises or assurances that are not specifically set forth in Franchisor's Franchise Disclosure Document and Exhibits (collectively, the "FDD") in deciding to purchase the franchise.
In that regard, I represent to Franchisor and acknowledge that:
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 64–65)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cicis' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees in certain states must acknowledge that they are not relying on any statements, representations, promises, or assurances that are not specifically outlined in the FDD when deciding to purchase a franchise. This acknowledgement is documented in the Representations and Acknowledgment Statement.
Specifically, the Representations and Acknowledgment Statement is not to be signed by prospective franchisees located in Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, or Virginia. This suggests that Cicis franchisees operating outside of these listed states are attesting that their decision to invest in the franchise is based solely on the information provided within the FDD itself, and not on any external promises or representations made by Cicis representatives.
This provision aims to limit Cicis' liability by ensuring franchisees cannot later claim they were induced to invest based on verbal promises or marketing materials not included in the official FDD. Prospective franchisees should carefully review the FDD and seek legal counsel to fully understand the implications of this statement before signing any agreements.