What is Cicis' obligation to a franchisee after signing an Area Development Agreement, but before the franchisee opens a Cicis Restaurant?
Cicis Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
After you sign an Area Development Agreement, but before you open a Cicis Restaurant, we or our affiliates will provide you the following assistance:
- Grant you a Development Area. (Area Development Agreement, Sections 2.A)
Typical Length of Time Before You Open Your Location
Under the Franchise Agreement, you must open your Cicis Restaurant and commence business within 365 days following the date on which you sign the Franchise Agreement. The typical length of time to open (i) a Cicis Buffet Restaurant is 9 – 10 months after execution of the Franchise Agreement, and (ii) a Cicis To Go Restaurant is 8 – 10 months after execution of the Franchise Agreement. The length of time to open your Cicis Restaurant will depend on factors such as your ability to obtain a lease, building permits, weather conditions, shortages or delayed installation of equipment, signs or other fixtures, labor shortage, etc.
You must commence your business under the Area Development Agreement immediately upon its execution.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 31–38)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cicis' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, after signing an Area Development Agreement but before opening a Cicis restaurant, Cicis will grant the franchisee a Development Area.
Additionally, Cicis will review sites the franchisee proposes for development and, at its discretion, accept the proposed site and execute its then-current form of Franchise Agreement with the franchisee and their approved affiliate.
It is important for prospective franchisees to understand these pre-opening obligations, as they set the stage for the entire franchise relationship and the development of Cicis restaurants within the designated area.