What are some of the obligations of a City Wide franchisee regarding equipment, layouts, and designs?
City_Wide Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisee's obligations as a Franchisee include, but are not limited to, the use of only prescribed equipment, layouts, and designs; strict adherence to the use of the proprietary information and Operating Manual; and selling of only designated service and product lines. Franchisee's compliance with the CITY WIDE standards and policies in conjunction with the Marks provides the basis for the valuable goodwill.
From time to time, CITY WIDE will provide to Franchisee either in the Operating Manual or posted on CITY WIDE'S internal website ("CW You") a list of approved manufacturers, suppliers and distributors authorized for the Franchised Business ("Approved Suppliers List") and a list of approved inventory, products, fixtures, furniture, equipment, signs, stationery, supplies, and other items or services necessary to operate the Franchised Business ("Approved Supplies List").
From time to time as set forth in the Operating Manual, CITY WIDE may designate suppliers on the Approved Suppliers List as required suppliers ("Required Suppliers") from whom you must purchase inventory, products, services or other items and services.
Currently, on the list of Required Supplier is ADP Payroll Services which you are required to use for your payroll services.
You may not use payroll services from any other provider.
Such lists will specify the manufacturer, supplier and distributor and the inventory products, fixtures, furniture, equipment, signs, stationery, supplies and services which CITY WIDE has approved to be carried or used in the System.
CITY WIDE may revise the Approved Suppliers List and Approved Supplies List from time to time at its sole and absolute right.
Such approved lists will be submitted to Franchisee as CITY WIDE deems advisable.
If Franchisee proposes to use at the Location any equipment or any brand of product which is not then approved by CITY WIDE as meeting its minimum specifications and quality standards, or to purchase any product from a supplier that is not then designated by CITY WIDE as an Approved Supplier on the Approved Suppliers List, Franchisee must first notify CITY WIDE and must, upon request by CITY WIDE, submit samples and such other information as CITY WIDE requires for examination and testing or to otherwise determine whether the proposed supply or supplier meets CITY WIDE's specifications and quality standards. CITY WIDE will not consider requests by Franchisee or any affiliate of Franchisee to become Approved Suppliers.
Franchisee agrees that CITY WIDE shall install, update or replace any equipment (hardware and/or peripherals) or Software (as defined in Section 11.10) as designated by CITY WIDE for use pursuant to the CITY WIDE System.
Franchisee will make no material alterations to the premises of the Franchised Business nor will Franchisee make material replacements of or alterations to the equipment, fixtures, furniture, or signs of the Franchised Business without the prior written approval by CITY WIDE.
Franchisee must maintain and operate the Franchised Business in a good, clean, and safe manner in compliance with standards prescribed by CITY WIDE.
Because complete and detailed uniformity under many varying conditions may not be possible or practical, and in order to remain competitive and respond to new technology, customer needs and market conditions, CITY WIDE specifically reserves the right and privilege, at its sole and absolute right and as it may deem in the best interests of all concerned in any specific instance, to vary standards for any franchise owner based upon the peculiarities of a particular site or circumstance, density of population, business potential, population of trade area, existing business practices or any other conditions which CITY WIDE deems to be of importance to the successful operation of such Franchisee's business.
Franchisee shall have no recourse against CITY WIDE on account of any variation from standard specifications and practices granted to any franchise owner and shall not be entitled to require CITY WIDE to grant Franchise Owner a like or similar variation hereunder.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 65)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to City Wide's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must adhere to prescribed standards for equipment, layouts, and designs. City Wide maintains an Approved Suppliers List and an Approved Supplies List, which detail authorized manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors, as well as approved inventory, products, fixtures, furniture, equipment, signs, stationery, supplies, and other necessary items. City Wide can revise these lists periodically. In some instances, City Wide may designate certain suppliers on the Approved Suppliers List as Required Suppliers, from whom franchisees must purchase specific items or services, such as ADP Payroll Services.
If a City Wide franchisee wants to use equipment, products, or suppliers not already approved by City Wide, they must first notify City Wide and submit samples and other information for examination and testing to ensure they meet the franchisor's specifications and quality standards. However, City Wide will not consider requests from franchisees or their affiliates to become Approved Suppliers. City Wide also reserves the right to install, update, or replace any equipment (hardware and/or peripherals) or Software as designated for use pursuant to the City Wide System.
City Wide also maintains the right to vary standards for any franchise owner based on specific site peculiarities, population density, business potential, trade area population, existing business practices, or any other conditions it deems important for the franchisee's success. Franchisees have no recourse against City Wide for variations granted to other franchise owners and cannot demand similar variations. Franchisees are also obligated to maintain and operate the Franchised Business in a good, clean, and safe manner in compliance with standards prescribed by City Wide and will make no material alterations to the premises or material replacements/alterations to equipment, fixtures, furniture, or signs without prior written approval from City Wide.