Are City Publications franchisees required to pay the then-current initial Franchise Fee for renewal?
City_Publications Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
this Agreement or any other agreement between Franchisee and Franchisor;
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- Franchisee has given notice of renewal to Franchisor as provided in Section 5.0. below;
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- Franchisee shall have paid to Franchisor a renewal fee of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00);
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- Within fifteen (15) days before the end of the initial term, Franchisee has executed Franchisor's then-current form of Franchise Agreement, or has executed renewal documents at Franchisor's election (with appropriate modifications to reflect the fact that the Franchise Agreement relates to the grant of a renewal franchise), which Franchise Agreement shall supersede this Agreement in all respects, and the terms of which may differ from the terms of this Agreement including, without limitation, different Appointment Services, Graphics Services and Mailing List Rental Fees, different percentage Royalty and Printing Brokerage Fees, and different local advertising requirements; provided, however, Franchisee shall not be required to pay the then-current initi
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 39–129)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to City Publications's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are not required to pay the then-current initial franchise fee or its equivalent to renew their franchise agreement. However, franchisees must pay a renewal fee of $1,000 at the end of each five-year term.
To renew their franchise agreement, City Publications franchisees must meet several conditions. These include making necessary capital expenditures to maintain uniformity with system modifications, satisfying all monetary obligations to City Publications, not being in default of any agreement, and providing notice of renewal.
Additionally, franchisees must comply with current qualifications for new franchisees, complete any training requirements, and execute City Publications's current form of Franchise Agreement or renewal documents. They must also execute a general release of claims against City Publications, unless prohibited by state law. The renewed agreement may have different terms, including variations in fees and advertising requirements.