Does Craters & Freighters provide mandatory or suggested specifications for the premises?
Craters_Freighters Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
(3) We will provide you mandatory or suggested specifications for the premises of a Craters & Freighters Franchised Business including but not limited to those involving dimensions, design, image, interior layout, décor, fixtures, equipment, computer hardware and software, signs, and color scheme which we have approved based on our standards for quality, design, appearance, function, and performance. (See Section 4.3 of the Franchise Agreement).
(4) We will review your construction plans and specifications for your Franchised Business. (See Section 4.3 of the Franchise Agreement).
You are solely responsible, at your own expense, for all of the following relating to developing and furnishing the Premises: (i) securing all required financing; (ii) obtaining all required permits and licenses; (iii) complying with all required permits and licenses; (iv) complying with all applicable laws and the Lease; (v) constructing all required improvements and decorating the Premises in compliance with the approved construction plans and our then-current specifications relating to approved brands, types, or models; (vi) purchasing and installing all required fixtures, equipment, and signs required for the Premises; (vii) placing or displaying at the Premises (interior and exterior) only such signs, emblems, lettering, logos, and display materials that Franchisor approves from time to time; and (viii) purchasing an opening inventory of materials and supplies, including the equipment.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 22–29)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Craters & Freighters Franchise Disclosure Document, Craters & Freighters will provide franchisees with mandatory or suggested specifications for the premises of their franchised business. These specifications include, but are not limited to, dimensions, design, image, interior layout, décor, fixtures, equipment, computer hardware and software, signs, and color scheme. These specifications are approved based on Craters & Freighters' standards for quality, design, appearance, function, and performance.
Craters & Freighters also offers to review the franchisee's construction plans and specifications for their franchised business. However, the franchisee is solely responsible for all expenses related to developing and furnishing the premises. This includes securing financing, obtaining permits and licenses, complying with applicable laws and the lease, constructing improvements, decorating the premises according to approved plans and specifications, purchasing and installing fixtures and equipment, and purchasing an opening inventory of materials and supplies.
While Craters & Freighters provides assistance with site selection and premises specifications, the franchisee bears the ultimate responsibility for ensuring the premises meet all requirements and standards. This is a fairly standard arrangement in franchising, where the franchisor sets brand standards but the franchisee manages the build-out and ongoing maintenance of their specific location.