Is a Crave franchisee responsible for the expense of installing fixtures, furnishings, and equipment?

According to Crave's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are responsible for the expenses associated with installing fixtures, furnishings, and equipment. Specifically, the franchisee must purchase or lease and install, at their own expense, all fixtures, furnishings, and equipment, including point-of-sale and computer hardware and software systems. This also extends to decor items, signs, delivery vehicles, and related items, as directed by Crave in the manual or in writing.

This requirement means a significant upfront investment for the franchisee. It's not just about the initial purchase; the franchisee bears the ongoing responsibility for replacements or upgrades that Crave may reasonably direct to maintain system-wide integrity and uniformity. This includes periodic repainting or replacement of obsolete signs, furnishings, and equipment.

Furthermore, franchisees must also obtain, at their own cost, any new or additional equipment, fixtures, supplies, and other materials that Crave may reasonably require to offer new menu items or alternative service methods like catering or delivery. Any alterations or improvements to the Franchised Business's design, equipment, signs, or decor must receive prior written approval from Crave.

This aspect of the franchise agreement highlights the importance of carefully reviewing the estimated initial investment costs and budgeting for ongoing expenses related to maintaining and updating the Crave location to meet the franchisor's standards. Prospective franchisees should inquire about the typical lifespan of equipment and the frequency of required updates to accurately assess these costs.