Is there a limit to Cicis' right to change the authorized menu items?
Cicis Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Under the Franchise Agreement, you agree that you will: (1) offer and sell from your Cicis Restaurant all of the products and services that we specify at our discretion; (2) not offer or sell at your Cicis Restaurant, the Restaurant premises or any other location any products or services we have not authorized; and (3) discontinue selling and offering for sale any products or services that we at any time disapprove. We have the right to change the authorized menu items and other goods or services that you may offer, and there is no limit to our right to make such changes.
Source: Item 16 — RESTRICTIONS ON WHAT THE FRANCHISEE MAY SELL (FDD pages 44–45)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cicis's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Cicis has broad authority regarding menu changes. Cicis specifies the products and services that franchisees must offer at their restaurants and can discontinue any products or services at any time. Most importantly, there is no limit to Cicis's right to change the authorized menu items.
This means Cicis franchisees must be prepared to adapt their offerings to align with Cicis's decisions. These changes can occur at any time, potentially requiring franchisees to invest in new equipment, ingredients, or training to accommodate new menu items. Conversely, discontinuing items could lead to wasted inventory or lost revenue if a popular item is removed.
Cicis also retains the right to set maximum or minimum prices for products and services. For items without set price ranges, Cicis may require franchisees to adhere to an advertising policy that aligns advertised prices with Cicis's suggested retail price. While franchisees can sell above or below the suggested retail price in these cases, they must still comply with Cicis's advertising policies unless a maximum or minimum price is imposed.
This level of control allows Cicis to maintain brand consistency and respond to market trends, but it also places a significant degree of dependence on the franchisor's decisions. Prospective franchisees should carefully consider their comfort level with these restrictions and the potential financial implications of frequent menu and pricing adjustments.