According to the City Publications FDD, what does the word 'you' refer to?
City_Publications Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
To simplify the language in this Disclosure Document, the words "we", "us" or "our" mean the franchisor, CITY PUBLICATIONS FRANCHISE GROUP, INC. The word "you" means the person to whom we award the franchise. If you are a corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other business entity, certain provisions of this Disclosure Document also apply to your owners and will be noted.
Source: Item 1 — THE FRANCHISOR, AND ANY PARENTS, PREDECESSORS AND AFFILIATES (FDD pages 8–9)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to City Publications' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the word "you" is defined as the individual or entity to whom City Publications awards the franchise. This definition is crucial for understanding the rights and obligations outlined in the FDD and the Franchise Agreement. If the franchisee is a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or other business entity, certain provisions of the Disclosure Document also apply to the owners of that entity. This ensures that the responsibilities extend beyond just the business structure to the individuals who control it.
This definition is standard in franchise agreements, as it clarifies who is bound by the terms of the agreement. It is important for prospective City Publications franchisees to understand this definition, as it determines who is responsible for fulfilling the obligations outlined in the FDD and the Franchise Agreement. For example, the FDD mentions that as a franchisee, you will likely face competition from various sources, including other franchisees and potentially even the Affiliate's licensees. Understanding that "you" refers to the franchisee helps clarify that this competitive risk directly impacts the franchisee's business operations and profitability.
Furthermore, the FDD specifies that for a new franchisee of the print advertising franchise model, "you" would pay an initial franchise fee of $29,000 and sign a franchise agreement. This clearly indicates that the financial obligation and contractual agreement are the responsibility of the individual or entity to whom the franchise is awarded. Therefore, prospective franchisees should carefully review all provisions of the FDD and Franchise Agreement, keeping in mind that "you" refers to them and their specific responsibilities and rights as a City Publications franchisee.