Who are considered 'Telephone Companies' in the context of Crave's Telephone Listings?
Crave Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 2.3.2 direct all telephone companies, telephone directory publishers, and telephone directory listing agencies (collectively, the "Telephone Companies") with which Franchisee has Telephone Listings: (i) to transfer all Franchisee's interest in such Telephone Listings to Franchisor; and (ii) to execute such documents and take such actions as may be necessary to effectuate such transfer.
In the event Franchisor does not desire to accept any or all such Telephone Listings, Franchisee will immediately direct the Telephone Companies to terminate such Telephone Listings or will take such other actions with respect to the Telephone Listings as Franchisor directs.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 63–253)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Crave's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, 'Telephone Companies' are defined as telephone companies, telephone directory publishers, and telephone directory listing agencies. This definition is relevant because Crave franchisees acquire rights to telephone numbers and listings related to their franchised business during the term of the franchise agreement. These listings encompass regular, classified, internet page, and other telephone directory listings. Upon termination of the franchise agreement, the franchisee is obligated to transfer all interests in these Telephone Listings to Crave.
Specifically, the franchisee must direct all Telephone Companies with which they have Telephone Listings to transfer their interest to Crave and execute any necessary documents to facilitate this transfer. If Crave does not want to accept some or all of the Telephone Listings, the franchisee must direct the Telephone Companies to terminate those listings or take other actions as directed by Crave.
This requirement ensures that Crave maintains control over its brand's presence in telephone listings, even after a franchise agreement ends. For a prospective franchisee, this means that any phone numbers or directory listings they establish for their Crave business become the property of the franchisor upon termination or at the franchisor's request. It is important for franchisees to understand this obligation and factor it into their business planning, particularly when considering the potential long-term value of phone numbers and listings.