Can Cicis require me to pay a fee for on-site inspections during the construction or remodeling of my Cicis Restaurant?
Cicis Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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- Provide on-site inspections we believe are necessary to evaluate progress of construction or remodeling, and we have the right to require you to pay us a reasonable fee for such on-site inspections and to pay or reimburse us for expenses we incur, such as the cost of travel, lodging, and meals. (Franchise Agreement, Section 2.B.)
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 31–38)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cicis's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Cicis does have the right to require franchisees to pay a reasonable fee for on-site inspections during the construction or remodeling phase of their restaurant. Additionally, Cicis can also require franchisees to cover or reimburse expenses they incur, such as travel, lodging, and meals, related to these inspections.
This means that as a prospective Cicis franchisee, you should be prepared to budget for these potential inspection fees and related expenses during the construction or remodeling of your restaurant. The exact amount of these fees and expenses can vary, so it's important to discuss this with Cicis during your due diligence process to get a better understanding of the potential costs involved.
This is a fairly common practice in franchising, as franchisors often want to ensure that the construction and remodeling meet their brand standards. However, it's crucial to clarify what constitutes a "reasonable fee" and what types of expenses you will be responsible for covering to avoid any unexpected costs down the line.