Besides the Manual, what other directives must a Crave franchisee follow in operating their business?
Crave Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
5.5 Visits and Evaluations
We will visit the Franchised Business and evaluate the products sold and services rendered therein from time to time as reasonably determined by us, as more fully described in Section 7.5.6.
5.6 Marketing and Promotional Materials
We shall have the right to review and approve or disapprove all marketing and promotional materials that you propose to use, pursuant to Article 8.
5.7 Management and Operations Advice
We will provide advice and written materials concerning techniques of managing and operating the Franchised Business from time to time developed by us, including new developments and improvements in technology or equipment, food products and the packaging and preparation thereof, and menu items. Notwithstanding the foregoing, you understand and acknowledge that we reserve the right, in our sole discretion, to grant to certain Crave businesses variances from our standard menu to accommodate regional or local tastes or ingredients. Nothing in this Agreement requires us to grant to you a similar variance.
8.7 Websites and Social Media
We alone may establish, maintain, modify or discontinue all internet, world wide web and electronic commerce activities pertaining to the System. We have established one or more websites accessible through one or more uniform resource locators ("URLs"). We will provide your Franchised Business with a listing on our website and we may, but are not required to, design and provide for the benefit of your Franchised Business a "click through" subpage at our website for the promotion of your Franchised Business. If we establish one or more websites or other modes of electronic commerce and if we provide a "click through" subpage at the website(s) for the promotion of your Franchised Business, you must routinely provide us with updated copy, photographs and news stories about your Franchised Business suitable for posting on your "click through" subpage. We reserve the right to specify the content, frequency and procedure you must follow for updating your "click through" subpage.
You may not maintain your own website; otherwise maintain a presence or advertise on the internet or any other mode of electronic commerce in connection with your Franchised Business; establish a link to any website we establish at or from any other website or page; or at any time establish any other website, electronic commerce presence or URL which
in whole or in part incorporates the "Crave" name or any names confusingly similar to the Proprietary Marks.
d. Covenantor shall not at any time, directly or indirectly, do any act or omit to do any act that would or would likely be injurious or prejudicial to the goodwill associated with the System.
7.4 You have sole responsibility for the performance of all obligations arising out of the operation of your business pursuant to this Agreement, including, but not limited to, the payment when due of any and all taxes levied or assessed by reason of such operation.
7.5 In all public records, in your relationship with other persons, and in any documents, you shall indicate clearly the independent ownership of your business and that the operations of said business are separate and distinct from the operation of a Crave Franchised Business.
7.6 You shall at all times preserve in confidence any and all materials and information furnished or disclosed to you by us and you shall disclose such information or materials only to such of your employees or agents who must have access to it in connection with their employment.
You shall not at any time, without our prior written consent, copy, duplicate, record or otherwise reproduce such materials or information, in whole or in part, nor otherwise make the same available to any unauthorized person.
- 7.7 You shall comply with all requirements of federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 63–253)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Crave's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must adhere to several directives beyond the Confidential Operations Manual. Crave retains the right to visit the franchised business and evaluate the products and services offered. Additionally, Crave has the authority to review and either approve or disapprove all marketing and promotional materials that a franchisee intends to use. Crave may also provide advice and written materials concerning techniques for managing and operating the franchised business, including new developments and improvements in technology, equipment, food products, packaging, preparation, and menu items. However, Crave reserves the right to grant variances from the standard menu to certain Crave businesses to accommodate regional or local tastes or ingredients, without being required to offer the same variance to all franchisees.
Crave maintains control over the brand's online presence. Franchisees are required to provide updated content for their "click through" subpage on Crave's website, adhering to Crave's specifications for content, frequency, and procedure. Franchisees are prohibited from creating their own websites or online presence that incorporates the "Crave" name or confusingly similar marks. Franchisees must also avoid any action that could harm the goodwill associated with the Crave system. This includes refraining from diverting business or customers to competitors and not participating in any food service business featuring similar menu items to Crave's offerings during the term of the Franchise Agreement and for two years after termination, within a specified distance.
Furthermore, franchisees are solely responsible for all obligations arising from their business operations, including the payment of all taxes. They must clearly indicate the independent ownership of their business in all public records and interactions, ensuring it is distinct from Crave's operations. Franchisees are obligated to maintain the confidentiality of all materials and information provided by Crave, disclosing it only to employees or agents with a need to know. Compliance with all federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations is mandatory. These stipulations ensure brand consistency and legal compliance across all Crave franchise locations.