Under what circumstances will City Wide declare that a franchisee has abandoned the business?

According to City Wide's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, City Wide will declare that a franchisee has abandoned the business if the franchisee fails to operate the franchised business during normal business hours for a period of seven days or more without prior written consent from City Wide. This also applies to any other circumstance that would lead a reasonable person to believe that the franchisee has permanently left the franchised business.

This clause protects City Wide from franchisees who might neglect their business without formally terminating the agreement. Abandonment can severely impact the brand's reputation and customer service in the affected area. By defining abandonment, City Wide retains the right to step in and take action to maintain the business's continuity and protect its brand.

For a prospective franchisee, this means that consistent operation and communication with City Wide are crucial. If unforeseen circumstances arise that prevent the franchisee from operating the business, obtaining written consent from City Wide is essential to avoid being declared in default. This requirement ensures that franchisees remain engaged and responsible in managing their City Wide franchise.