What standards must a City Wide franchisee maintain regarding the condition and appearance of their office?
City_Wide Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 7.2.1 Copies of all permits and certifications as may be required for the lawful operation of the Franchised Business, together with copies of any building inspection reports and certifications from all governmental authorities having jurisdiction over the Designated Territory and the Franchised Business showing that all necessary permits have been obtained and that all requirements for operation have been met.
- 7.3 Condition and Appearance of Office; Right of Inspection. Franchisee will maintain the condition and appearance of the Office of the Franchised Business consistent with CITY WIDE standards, as set forth in the Operating Manual and otherwise in writing. Franchisee will maintain such premises as CITY WIDE may from time to time require to maintain or improve the appearance and efficient operation of the Franchised Business, including, but not limited to, replacement of worn out or obsolete fixtures and signs, and repair of the Location. If any time in CITY WIDE's judgment the general state of repair or the appearance of the premises of the Franchised Business or its equipment, fixtures, or signs does not meet CITY WIDE's standards, CITY WIDE will so notify Franchisee and specify the action Franchisee must take to correct such deficiency. If Franchisee fails or refuses to initiate within thirty (30) calendar days after receipt of such notice, and continues to fail to implement a bona fide program to complete any required maintenance, CITY WIDE will have the right, in addition to all other remedies, to enter upon the premises of the Franchised Business and effect such repairs, painting, maintenance or replacements of equipment, fixtures or signs on Franchisee's behalf and Franchisee will repay CITY WIDE the entire costs on demand. If Franchisee fails to make any such payments or remedy operational deficiencies, such failure will constitute a material breach of this Agreement and CITY WIDE may terminate this Agreement. Except for
those repairs that would constitute a public health or safety hazard, or are required by any governmental agency, any such remodeling requirement will be imposed only in a nondiscriminatory manner upon (i) all comparably situated CITY WIDE franchisees and (ii) all comparably situated CITY WIDE-owned businesses; provided further that any capital expenditure otherwise required under this Agreement in excess of Twenty Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000) will only be required to be made by Franchisee if sufficient time remains in the Initial or any Successor Terms to fully amortize or depreciate such expenditure under the Internal Revenue Code ("Code"), as amended, and all applicable regulations under the Code.
- 7.4 Cleanliness and Safety. Franchisee must maintain and operate the Franchised Business in a good, clean, and safe manner in compliance with standards prescribed by CITY WIDE.
- 7.5 No Duplication or Disclosure.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 65)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to City Wide's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must maintain the condition and appearance of their office consistent with City Wide standards, as detailed in the Operating Manual and other written communications. This includes maintaining the premises to improve appearance and efficient operation, which may involve replacing worn or obsolete fixtures and signs, and repairing the location.
City Wide retains the right to inspect the premises, equipment, fixtures, and signs. If City Wide determines that the franchisee's office does not meet their standards, they will notify the franchisee and specify the necessary corrective actions. The franchisee must begin these corrections within 30 calendar days of receiving the notice and continue to implement a program to complete the required maintenance.
If a franchisee fails to address the deficiencies, City Wide has the right to enter the premises and perform the necessary repairs, painting, maintenance, or replacements on behalf of the franchisee, with the franchisee responsible for repaying all costs upon demand. Failure to make these payments or remedy operational deficiencies constitutes a material breach of the franchise agreement, potentially leading to termination. However, remodeling requirements that would result in capital expenditure exceeding $25,000 will only be required if there is sufficient time remaining in the franchise term to amortize or depreciate the expenditure under the Internal Revenue Code.
City Wide also requires franchisees to maintain and operate the franchised business in a good, clean, and safe manner, adhering to standards prescribed by City Wide. Franchisees are prohibited from making material alterations to the premises or material replacements of equipment, fixtures, furniture, or signs without prior written approval from City Wide. These standards are essential for maintaining the quality, reputation, and public image of the City Wide system.