What is the Crave franchisee's responsibility for submitting a description of the site before an on-site evaluation for a Crave Restaurant?
Crave Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Before you lease or purchase the site for the Restaurant, you must locate a site that satisfies our site selection guidelines. If we deem it necessary, we will conduct one on-site evaluation, but before we conduct the evaluation you must submit to us in the form we specify a description of the site, including evidence that the site satisfies our site selection guidelines, together with other information and materials that we may reasonably require, including a letter of intent or other evidence that confirms your favorable prospects for obtaining the site.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 32–42)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Crave's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee is responsible for submitting a description of the site before Crave conducts an on-site evaluation. This description must be in a format specified by Crave and include evidence that the site meets Crave's site selection guidelines. The franchisee must also provide any other information and materials that Crave reasonably requires, such as a letter of intent or other confirmation of favorable prospects for obtaining the site.
This requirement ensures that Crave has sufficient information to assess the suitability of the proposed site before investing time and resources in an on-site evaluation. It also places the initial burden of due diligence on the franchisee, who is responsible for locating and securing a site that aligns with Crave's criteria. The franchisee bears all costs associated with site selection and development.
Crave retains the right to approve or decline the proposed site within 30 days of receiving all required information. If Crave does not provide specific approval, the site is deemed not approved. This approval process is crucial, as the franchisee cannot proceed with acquiring the site or signing any contracts without Crave's consent. Franchisees must submit all required information regarding their proposed site within 90 days of signing the Franchise Agreement.
Crave provides written site selection guidelines to assist franchisees in this process, including criteria such as location, parking availability, visibility, signage, co-tenants, accessibility, condition of the premises, proximity to competitors, availability of utilities, and demographics. Crave uses these factors to determine if the site is suitable for a Crave Restaurant. This detailed guidance helps franchisees make informed decisions and increases the likelihood of site approval.