What is the Coffee News franchisee's obligation regarding the area served by their online version?
Coffee_News Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
WHEREFORE, Coffee News adopts the following Social Media Policies that all Coffee News Franchisees shall follow:
1. General Guidelines:
Coffee News suggests that all Franchisees, comply with the following general guidelines:
- a. Be professional and remember that you are part of the Coffee News brand. Wherever possible or appropriate, disclose your franchisee relationship with Coffee News.
- b. Keep your post and comments about your business.
- c. Be responsible and honest at all times.
- d. Be credible, accurate, fair and thorough.
- e. Post meaningful, respectful comments. No spam and no language that is offensive to others. When disagreeing with other's opinions, be objective and respectful.
- f. Keep in mind that your online post and comments are permanent.
- g. Whenever you post Coffee News trademark and/or logo online, make sure that you use the trademark and logo correctly in consistent with the Coffee News brand. We take great care to protect the brand and our web efforts and so should you.
- h. Do not post or link to any materials that are defamatory, harassing or indecent.
- i. Do not give a personal opinion that can be construed as judgmental. Do not talk about politics or religion. Stay away from causes.
- j. If you are unsure of whether you should post something or not, do not post it.
- k. Be aware of praise and criticisms posted by other people, competitors, customers, vendors about Coffee News and share those posts with Coffee News.
2. Username format
Due to the importance of brand consistency and the risk of customer confusion, Coffee News suggests that a franchisee use a username including the wording "Coffee News," a space, and then end with the city in which the Franchisee is located. (e.g. "Coffee News
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 36–118)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
Based on the 2025 Coffee News Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must adhere to the Coffee News Social Media Policy, which includes general guidelines for online conduct. These guidelines emphasize professionalism, honesty, and responsibility when representing the Coffee News brand online. Franchisees are encouraged to keep posts business-related, use respectful language, and avoid offensive or controversial topics such as politics and religion.
Additionally, the policy addresses brand consistency, suggesting a specific username format that includes "Coffee News" followed by the franchisee's city. This is intended to reduce customer confusion and maintain a uniform brand image. Franchisees are also responsible for complying with all laws and regulations, as well as third-party terms and conditions, related to their social media activities.
Coffee News retains the right to monitor franchisees' social media use and remove content that violates the Social Media Policy or is deemed inconsistent with the brand's image. Franchisees may also be required to post disclaimers indicating that their views do not necessarily reflect those of Coffee News. While the FDD outlines these obligations for social media, it does not specifically define the geographic area a franchisee's online version should serve, nor does it restrict online activities to a specific territory. A prospective franchisee should clarify with Coffee News what, if any, territorial restrictions apply to their online presence and activities.