What constitutes a material default for a City Wide franchisee?
City_Wide Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ituted against Franchisee and not dismissed within ninety (90) days; or
- 14.1.3 If any of Franchisee's real or personal property will be sold after levy upon it by any sheriff, marshal, or constable; or
- 14.1.4 If Franchisee or any officer, director, stockholder, or general partner of Franchisee is convicted of or admits to the commission of any felony or crime involving moral turpitude or any other crime that CITY WIDE reasonably determines could have an adverse effect on the Franchised Business, the System, or the Marks; or
- 14.1.5 If Franchisee knowingly maintains false books or records or make or have made any materially false statement or report to CITY WIDE in connection with this Agreement or Franchisee's application for this Franchise; or
- 14.1.6 If CITY WIDE, at its sole and absolute right, determines that Franchisee or any person Franchisee designates for mandatory training pursuant to Section 4.1 of this Agreement has not satisfactorily completed the training or been approved by CITY WIDE after a face-to-face interview and evaluation; or
- 14.1.7 If Franchisee commits two or more acts of default under this Agreement within any twelve (12) month period, regardless of whether such defaults are cured or waived; provided, however, that a default under Section 6.5 ("Annual Revenue Per Capita Growth") will not be counted for purposes of applying this subsection; or
- 14.1.8 If Franchisee fails to operate and equip the Franchised Business as provided in Sections 6 and 7 of this Agreement; or
- 14.1.9 If Franchisee is a party to any other franchise agreement with CITY WIDE which agreement CITY WIDE has terminated in accordance with the terms and conditions of such other
franchise agreement (unless such termination is based solely on Franchisee's failure to meet the Annual Revenue Per Capita Growth requirements or similar growth requirements); or
- 14.1.10 If Franchisee fails to operate the Franchised Business during normal business hours for a period of seven (7) days or more without the prior written consent of CITY WIDE or any other circumstance which would lead a reasonable person to believe that Franchisee has permanently left the Franchised Business, and CITY WIDE will declare that Franchisee have abandoned the business for purposes of this Agreement.
- 14.2 Termination After Failure to Cure. Franchisee will be deemed to be in default under this Agreement and CITY WIDE may elect to terminate this Agreement and all rights granted under this Agreement if within thirty (30) days after CITY WIDE sends Franchisee written notification setting out the nature of the default ("Notice to Cure"), or within any such period set forth in this Agreement or permissible by law, Franchisee does not correct the default to CITY WIDE's satisfaction:
- 14.2.1 If Franchisee ceases to operate the Franchised Business in the Designated Territory, or otherwise forfeit the right to do or transact business in the jurisdiction where the Franchised Business is located; provided, however, that if any such loss of possession results from the governmental exercise of the power of eminent domain, or if, through no fault of Franchisee, the premises are damaged or destroyed by a disaster such that they cannot, in CITY WIDE's judgment, reasonably be restored, then, in either such event, no default will be deemed to have occurred if, within thirty (30) days after the damage or taking by eminent domain, Franchisee has applied to CITY WIDE for approval to relocate the Franchised Business for the remainder of the Term, which approval will not unreasonably be withheld, but which may be conditioned upon the payment of a service fee and a minimum royalty percentage to CITY WIDE during the period in which the Franchised Business is not in operation;
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 65)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to City Wide's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, several actions or failures can constitute a material default under the franchise agreement. These defaults can lead to termination of the agreement if not cured within a specified time frame, typically 30 days after written notification from City Wide.
Specifically, a material default includes knowingly maintaining false books or records, making materially false statements or reports to City Wide, or failing to satisfactorily complete mandatory training. Committing two or more acts of default within a 12-month period also constitutes a material default, with an exception for defaults related to annual revenue per capita growth. Failing to operate and equip the franchised business as outlined in the agreement, or defaulting under any related agreement with City Wide, are also considered material defaults.
Further, if a City Wide franchisee fails to operate the franchised business during normal business hours for seven or more days without prior written consent from City Wide, or if it appears the franchisee has abandoned the business, it will be considered a material default. Breaching any other covenant, agreement, obligation, term, warranty, condition, or certification contained in the agreement also constitutes a material default. These terms are designed to ensure franchisees adhere to City Wide's standards and maintain the integrity of the franchise system.
City Wide also has rights as a secured party under the UCC in the event of default, including the right to enter the franchisee's premises to repossess products and goods in which City Wide has a security interest. Franchisees should be aware of these conditions and ensure they understand their obligations under the franchise agreement to avoid potential defaults and termination.