According to Crave, what laws must the restaurant design plans comply with?
Crave Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must obtain any architectural, engineering and design services required for the construction of the Restaurant at your own expense from an architectural design firm approved or designated by us. You shall adapt the prototypical architectural and design plans and specifications for construction of the Restaurant provided to you by us in accordance with Section 5.3 as necessary for the construction of the Restaurant and shall submit such adapted plans to us for our review. Such plans must comply with applicable laws (including the Americans with Disabilities Act), ordinances and building codes for the city and state in which the Restaurant will be located. If we determine, in our reasonable discretion, that any such plans are not consistent with the best interests of the System, we may prohibit the implementation of such plans, and in this event will notify you of any objection(s) within ten (10) days of receiving such plans. If we fail to notify you of an objection to the plans within this time period, you may use such plans. If we object to any such plans, we shall provide you with a reasonably detailed list of changes necessary to make the plans acceptable. We shall, upon a re-submission of the plans with such changes, notify you within ten (10) days of receiving the resubmitted plans whether the plans are approved. If we fail to notify you in writing of any objection within such time period, you may use the resubmitted plans. You acknowledge that our review of such plans relates only to compliance with the System and that approval by us of such plans does not constitute a representation, warranty, or guarantee, express or implied, by us that such plans are accurate or free of error concerning their design or structural application, or that such plans comply with any laws, ordinances or building codes applicable to the Accepted Location.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 63–253)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Crave's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the restaurant design plans must comply with applicable laws, ordinances, and building codes for the city and state in which the restaurant will be located. This includes compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Crave requires franchisees to obtain architectural, engineering, and design services from a firm approved or designated by them. Franchisees must adapt the prototypical architectural and design plans provided by Crave to meet local requirements and submit these adapted plans for review. Crave retains the right to prohibit the implementation of any plans deemed inconsistent with the best interests of the Crave system.
While Crave reviews the plans for compliance with their system standards, their approval does not guarantee accuracy, freedom from error, or compliance with all applicable laws, ordinances, and building codes. This places the responsibility on the franchisee to ensure full compliance with all local regulations. The franchisee also certifies compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act in an attachment to the franchise agreement.
Prospective franchisees should carefully consider the costs associated with adapting the prototype plans to meet local requirements and the potential risks of non-compliance. It is advisable to consult with local experts to ensure that the restaurant design meets all applicable legal and regulatory standards.