What are 'System Standards' as defined in the Cicis FDD?
Cicis Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
The Manuals may contain both mandatory specifications, standards, operating procedures and rules that we periodically prescribe for operating Cicis Restaurants and other specifications, standards and policies we may periodically suggest, and information on your other obligations under this Agreement (the “System Standards”), and other suggested specifications, standards and procedures.
You understand the importance of maintaining uniformity among all of the Cicis Restaurants and the importance of complying with all of our standards, specifications, policies, and procedures relating to the operation of your Restaurant and, therefore, agree to comply with all System Standards as they exist from time to time.
System Standards may regulate any aspect of the operation and maintenance of your Restaurant, including, but not limited to, any one or more of the following:
(1) sales, marketing, advertising and promotional programs and materials and media used in these programs;
(2) staffing levels for your Restaurant and employee qualifications, dress, and appearance (although employee selection and promotion, hours worked, rates of pay and other benefits, work assigned and working conditions are your sole responsibility)
(3) use and display of the Marks
(4) days and hours of operation
(5) methods of payment that your Restaurant may accept from customers
(6) policies for the registration, use, content, or management of online presences, or other technology systems, solutions, or products
(7) participation in market research and product and service testing programs
(8) participation in gift card programs
(9) menus, including product offerings, appearance, and inclusion of nutrition information
(10) bookkeeping, accounting, data processing and record keeping systems and forms; formats, content and frequency of reports to us of sales, revenue, and financial performance and condition
(11) participation in quality assurance and customer satisfaction programs
(12) use of any third-party food delivery services, online ordering services, or other food aggregation services
(13) types, amounts, terms and conditions of insurance coverage required for your Restaurant, including criteria for your insurance carriers; and
(14) any other aspects of operating and maintaining your Restaurant that we determine to be useful to preserve or enhance the efficient operation, image or goodwill of the Marks and Cicis Restaurants.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 64–65)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cicis's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, System Standards encompass the mandatory specifications, standards, operating procedures, and rules that Cicis periodically prescribes for operating its restaurants. These standards are detailed in the Manuals provided to franchisees and may be updated periodically to reflect changes. The System Standards ensure uniformity across all Cicis locations.
System Standards can regulate various aspects of a Cicis restaurant's operation and maintenance. These include sales, marketing, advertising programs, staffing levels (excluding employee selection, pay, and working conditions), use of trademarks, hours of operation, and acceptable payment methods. They also cover online presence management, participation in market research, gift card programs, menu specifications, bookkeeping systems, and reporting requirements. Additionally, System Standards address participation in quality assurance programs, the use of third-party delivery services, and insurance coverage requirements.
Prospective Cicis franchisees must understand that these System Standards are not static. Cicis retains the right to modify them, potentially requiring additional capital investment or higher operating costs to accommodate changes. These modifications may also include changes to hours of operation, service delivery methods, or product offerings, and could even necessitate temporary closures based on regional or local public health concerns. Franchisees are obligated to comply with these standards to maintain the brand's image and operational efficiency.
Furthermore, franchisees must adhere to standards and specifications related to purchasing food, beverages, supplies, and equipment from approved suppliers. They are also required to use Cicis's proprietary items and purchase branded merchandise for resale. Compliance with these System Standards is crucial for maintaining consistency and quality across the Cicis franchise system, and franchisees must stay informed of any updates or modifications to these standards through the provided Manuals and other communications from Cicis.