Can a Craters & Freighters franchisee deviate from the brand's standards or specifications?
Craters_Freighters Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Craters & Freighters Franchised Businesses operate under our distinctive business format, systems, methods, procedures, designs, layouts, and specifications, which we may improve, further develop, or otherwise modify from time to time ("System"). We own, are the licensee of, use, promote and sublicense certain trade names, trademarks, service marks and other commercial symbols, including the trade and service mark, "Craters & Freighters®" and associated logos, and may hereafter create, use and license additional trademarks, service marks, and commercial symbols in conjunction with the operation of Craters & Freighters Franchised Businesses.
Franchise Rights Offered
As described in this Disclosure Document, we will offer and sell to qualified persons a single-unit franchise to operate a Craters & Freighters Franchised Business located at the franchisee's business premises in accordance with the standards for the System specified in the Operations Manuals ("System Standards") and utilizing our trademarks pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Craters & Freighters Franchise Company Franchise Agreement, a copy which is a part of this Disclosure Document (see ITEM 22). This Disclosure Document describes relevant information about the Franchise.
We offer two types of territories (each a "Territory"): one which will have a population under 1,000,000 people, and another which will have a population of 1,000,000 or more people. If you request, and we approve, a Territory with a population of more than 1,000,000 people, then you will be required to pay us a Supplemental Territory Fee equal to $0.015 per additional person in the Territory. All population determinations will be based upon the latest United States Census information available for the various territories.
Source: Item 16 — RESTRICTIONS ON WHAT THE FRANCHISEE MAY SELL (FDD page 36)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Craters & Freighters' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must adhere to the brand's standards and specifications. Craters & Freighters Franchised Businesses operate under a distinctive business format, systems, methods, procedures, designs, layouts, and specifications, which Craters & Freighters may modify from time to time. These are referred to as "System Standards" and are detailed in the Operations Manuals. Franchisees are required to operate their business in accordance with these System Standards.
Specifically, franchisees must sell only the products and services outlined in the Operations Manuals. When Craters & Freighters provides guidance on pricing, franchisees are expected to follow it. Furthermore, any signage used must display the Craters & Freighters logo and comply with the franchisor's brand identity design standards. For the premises, Craters & Freighters provides mandatory or suggested specifications for dimensions, design, image, interior layout, décor, fixtures, equipment, computer hardware/software, signs, and color scheme, all of which must meet the franchisor's approval based on their standards.
Before commencing construction of the premises, franchisees must submit construction plans to Craters & Freighters for written approval. Deviation from these standards could be a breach of the Franchise Agreement. This level of standardization is common in franchising to ensure brand consistency and customer experience across all locations. Prospective franchisees should carefully review the Operations Manuals and Franchise Agreement to fully understand the scope of required standards and specifications.