Does the Costa Vida Fresh Mexican Grill franchise agreement include specifications and standards?
Costa_Vida_Fresh_Mexican_Grill Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
isors, hourly associates, and all other persons who work in or for your Restaurant.
- "Proprietary Ingredients" Any Ingredients from which the distinctive food products are made for Costa Vida Restaurants that are manufactured or produced according to proprietary processes or are sourced or stocked per our requirements and which we authorize to be produced only by Designated Suppliers.
- "Recipe Books" The proprietary recipes for the preparation of Costa Vida food which will be loaned to you as set forth in the Franchise Agreement. The Recipe Books may be updated or recalled from time to time, and at all times remain the property of Costa Vida.
- "System," "System Standards" or "Costa Vida System" The business formats, signs, equipment, methods, procedures, designs, layouts, specifications, and arrangements for developing and operating Costa Vida Restaurants, which include, without limitation: the Marks, Trade Dress, building design and layouts, signage, equipment, ingredients, recipes, methods of preparation and specifications for authorized food products, training, methods of inventory control and certain operating and business standards and policies, all of which we may improve, further develop or otherwise modify periodically, including, without limitation, as set forth in the then-current version of the Brand Standards Book produced by us, and any replacement or revision of the same.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 66–67)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Costa Vida Fresh Mexican Grill Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchise agreement incorporates specifications and standards. The agreement covers various aspects of the Costa Vida Fresh Mexican Grill System, including building designs, equipment, ingredients, recipes, inventory control methods, training programs, and operational and business standards. Costa Vida Fresh Mexican Grill retains the right to modify these elements.
The franchise agreement defines key terms such as the 'System,' 'System Standards,' or 'Costa Vida System' to include business formats, signs, equipment, methods, procedures, designs, layouts, and specifications for operating Costa Vida Fresh Mexican Grill restaurants. These standards are detailed in the Brand Standards Book, which Costa Vida Fresh Mexican Grill may revise periodically.
Prospective franchisees must adhere to these standards to maintain uniformity and protect the brand's goodwill. This includes using authorized designs, color schemes, signage, and décor, collectively known as the 'Trade Dress,' which Costa Vida Fresh Mexican Grill can also revise. The franchise agreement also specifies that franchisees must purchase ingredients and products from 'Designated Suppliers' to ensure consistency and quality.