For a Cilantro Taco Grill franchise, what is the initial format in which the manual is provided to the franchisee?
Cilantro_Taco_Grill Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
- 19.1.1 Franchisor has provided to Franchisee, on loan, a current copy of the Manual. The Manual may be in hard copy or made available to Franchisee in digital, electronic or computerized form or in some other form now existing or hereafter developed that would allow Franchisee to view the contents thereof. If the Manual (or any changes thereto) are provided in a form other than physical copy, Franchisee shall pay any and all costs to retrieve, review, use or access the Manual. To protect the reputation and goodwill of Franchisor and to maintain high standards of operation under Franchisor's Marks, Franchisee shall operate all aspects of the Franchised Business in accordance with the Manual, as they may from time to time be modified by Franchisor, other written directives that Franchisor may issue to Franchisee from time to time, whether or not such directives are included in the Manual, and any other manual and materials created or approved for use in the operation of the Franchised Business.
- 19.1.2 Franchisee and any and all Principals shall at all times treat the Manual, written directives, and other materials and any other confidential communications or materials, and the information contained therein, as confidential and shall maintain such information as trade secret and confidential in accordance with this Article and this Agreement. Franchisee and
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 52–208)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to the 2024 Cilantro Taco Grill Franchise Disclosure Document, the operations manual is provided to the franchisee on loan. The manual can be in hard copy or available in digital, electronic, or computerized form. It can also be in another format that exists now or is developed later, as long as it allows the franchisee to view the contents.
If the manual or any changes to it are not provided in physical copy, the franchisee is responsible for paying all costs to retrieve, review, use, or access the manual. Franchisees must operate all aspects of their Cilantro Taco Grill business according to the manual, including any modifications made by the franchisor and other written directives, to protect the brand's reputation and maintain operational standards.
Franchisees and their principals must treat the manual, written directives, and other materials as confidential, maintaining them as trade secrets. They can only share the information with employees who need it to operate the franchise. Franchisees must train their employees on the restrictions and conditions of using the franchisor's intellectual, proprietary, and confidential information, ensuring their compliance. Franchisees, their principals, and anyone working with them cannot copy, duplicate, record, or reproduce these materials without the franchisor's prior written consent.