What are the requirements for the grand opening promotion to be approved by Smile LLC for Cicis franchisees?
Cicis Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
If, in connection with your purchase and, if applicable, re-opening of the Restaurant, you conducted a grand opening promotion approved by us, we will reimburse you the expenses you incurred and paid in executing the grand opening promotion (less salaries and benefits paid to your owners or employees), up to the amount of the Renewal Fee you paid, if any, when you signed the Franchise Agreement. If you seek reimbursement under this paragraph, you must submit documentary proof of the paid expense within 30 days following the completion of your grand opening promotion. We reserve the right to determine, in our sole discretion, whether any submitted expense qualifies for reimbursement under this paragraph.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 65–263)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Cicis Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee conducts a grand opening promotion that is approved by Smile LLC, Cicis will reimburse the franchisee for the expenses incurred in executing the promotion, excluding salaries and benefits paid to the owners or employees. The reimbursement will be up to the amount of the Renewal Fee paid when the Franchise Agreement was signed.
To receive reimbursement, the franchisee must submit documentary proof of the paid expenses within 30 days following the completion of the grand opening promotion. However, Cicis retains the right to determine, in its sole discretion, whether any submitted expense qualifies for reimbursement under this program.
This means that while Cicis offers a potential reimbursement for grand opening promotions, the approval of the promotion and the eligibility of expenses for reimbursement are subject to Cicis's discretion. A prospective franchisee should clarify with Cicis what constitutes an approvable grand opening promotion and what types of expenses are typically eligible for reimbursement to avoid potential financial risks.