Does the Coffee News franchisor exercise editorial supervision over the periodical?
Coffee_News Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
5. CONTENT OF PERIODICAL.
- 5.1 MAINTENANCE OF CONTENT. 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.
- 5.2 General Editorial Control. Franchisor shall exercise editorial supervision over the Periodical and may make such changes as it may deem necessary and advisable. Franchisor shall have final authority regarding the content of the Periodical.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 36–118)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Coffee News Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisor maintains editorial supervision over the periodical. Specifically, Coffee News has the authority to make changes deemed necessary and advisable and has final authority regarding the content of the periodical.
However, the FDD also states that franchisees cannot edit, change, add to, eliminate from, or alter the contents or format of the periodical without prior written consent from Coffee News, except as otherwise provided in the agreement. The unalterable characteristics of the periodical include the size (11" x 17" page size), light brown coloring, two-sided printing format with specified column divisions, and specific sections such as "Coffee News" heading, "Everybody's Talking", and "Your Weekly Horoscope".
These stipulations ensure consistency across all Coffee News franchises, maintaining brand identity and quality control. While franchisees have some autonomy in local advertising sales and distribution, the franchisor retains ultimate control over the periodical's content and format. This balance allows for local relevance while upholding brand standards.