Is the review of construction plans and specifications by Craters & Freighters mandatory for a new franchise?
Craters_Freighters Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Before you open your business, we (or our designee) will provide the following assistance and services to you:
- (1) Designate your Territory (See Section 1.2 of the Franchise Agreement).
- (2) We will use reasonable efforts to assist you with locating a suitable site ("Premises") for your Franchised Business. (See Section 4.1 of the Franchise Agreement). We do not generally own and lease the premises of any Craters & Freighters Franchised Business to any franchisee.
- (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;
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 22–29)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Craters & Freighters' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the review of construction plans and specifications for a new Franchised Business is mandatory. Prior to opening the business, Craters & Freighters will review the franchisee's construction plans and specifications.
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 leases, constructing improvements, decorating the premises according to approved plans and specifications, purchasing and installing fixtures, equipment, and signs, and purchasing an opening inventory of materials and supplies.
Craters & Freighters also provides mandatory or suggested specifications for the premises, including dimensions, design, image, interior layout, décor, fixtures, equipment, computer hardware and software, signs, and color schemes. These specifications are based on Craters & Freighters' standards for quality, design, appearance, function, and performance. Franchisees must adhere to these approved construction plans and specifications when developing their premises.