Is a City Wide franchisee required to use independent contractors to provide the services?
City_Wide Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
The CITY WIDE System is a comprehensive system for operating businesses under the trade name and service mark "CITY WIDE" and "CITY WIDE FACILITY SOLUTIONS" respectively, which specialize in analyzing client facility maintenance needs and matching independent contractors with those clients to meet their needs. Independent contractors identified by CITY WIDE franchisees are experts in the fields of over twenty-five (25) maintenance services and operate under the trade name and service mark "CITY WIDE" and "CITY WIDE FACILITY SOLUTIONS."
Source: Item 16 — RESTRICTIONS ON WHAT THE FRANCHISEE MAY SELL (FDD page 44)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 City Wide Franchise Disclosure Document, City Wide franchisees specialize in analyzing client facility maintenance needs and matching independent contractors with those clients to meet their needs. The City Wide system is designed to connect these independent contractors, who are experts in over 25 maintenance services, with clients. Therefore, a City Wide franchisee must use independent contractors to provide the services.
The FDD emphasizes that the City Wide system relies on this matching of independent contractors with clients needing facility maintenance. Franchisees must adhere strictly to City Wide's standards and policies to ensure uniform operation across all franchised businesses. This includes maintaining standards for quality, service, and operational integrity.
As a City Wide franchisee, it is essential to understand that your role involves managing and coordinating independent contractors rather than directly employing service staff. This model affects your operational responsibilities, potential liabilities, and the overall management of your City Wide franchise. You are responsible for ensuring that any subcontractors you use to perform services for a National Account also carry the required types and coverages of insurance.