What does the Coffee News franchise agreement define as the 'Format' of the Periodical?
Coffee_News Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Except as provided for herein, Franchisee shall not edit, change, add to, eliminate from, or alter in any way the contents or format of the Periodical without the prior written consent of Franchisor. For clarity, Franchisee agrees that the unalterable characteristics of the Periodical (the "Format") include, but are not limited to, the following:
- (a) Size. Eleven inches by seventeen inches (11" x 17") page size format.
- (b) Coloring. Light brown coloring of paper.
- (c) Format. Two-sided printing with each page divided into three (3) columns, with the two (2) border columns each allowing for eight (8) advertisements arranged vertically and a center column allowing for the publication of information.
- (d) Sections. On the cover page, the center column shall be divided into 5 sections entitled as the "Coffee News" heading, "Everybody's Talking", "Quoteable Quotes", "What's Happening" and "Trivia". On the reverse side, the center column shall be divided into 4 sections referred to as "Your Weekly Horoscope", "Did You Know", "On the Lighter Side" and "Answers" (to "Trivia" section on the cover page).
- (e) Proportions of Advertisements. The proportions of all advertisements are of equal size, approximately two and seven-eighths inches by two inches (2 7/8" x 2"), in a rectangular rounded corner box with one open corner.
- (f) Advertisement Borders. The borders of advertisements are in a series of backwards and forwards "S" shapes.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 36–118)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Coffee News Franchise Disclosure Document, the 'Format' of the Periodical refers to specific, unalterable characteristics that define its appearance and structure. These characteristics are integral to maintaining a consistent brand identity across all Coffee News franchises.
The defined characteristics of the Coffee News format include the following elements: the Periodical's size, which must be eleven inches by seventeen inches (11" x 17"); the light brown coloring of the paper used; the two-sided printing layout, with each page divided into three columns (two border columns for eight advertisements each and a center column for publishing information); the specific sections on the cover page and reverse side, such as "Coffee News" heading, "Everybody's Talking", "Quoteable Quotes", "What's Happening", "Trivia", "Your Weekly Horoscope", "Did You Know", "On the Lighter Side", and "Answers"; the equal proportions of all advertisements, approximately two and seven-eighths inches by two inches (2 7/8" x 2"), in a rectangular rounded corner box with one open corner; and the borders of advertisements, which are designed in a series of backwards and forwards "S" shapes.
As a Coffee News franchisee, it is critical to adhere to these format specifications to ensure uniformity and brand recognition. Any deviation from these standards requires prior written consent from the franchisor. This control over the format allows Coffee News to maintain a consistent look and feel across all its publications, which is essential for attracting and retaining readers and advertisers. The franchisor also retains general editorial control over the Periodical and may make changes deemed necessary, further emphasizing the importance of adhering to the prescribed format and content guidelines.