For a Crave Restaurant, is the franchisee required to use the franchisor's designated contractor for construction?
Crave Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Your Restaurant must be constructed according to plans that we have approved. We will provide you with sample plans and/or our specifications for a Crave Restaurant. We have the right to designate or approve the architect/designer that you use, and you must use our designated contractor for the build-out of your Restaurant. You must arrange for construction plans to be created that incorporate our requirements into the size and shape of the approved site for your Restaurant. You may not use the plans or begin building out your Restaurant until we have approved the construction plans, and any changes to the construction plans must also be approved by us before the change may be implemented. Our review is not meant to assess compliance with any applicable laws, regulations or building codes, including compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Our review is only to verify that the construction plans accurately present our trade dress, the Marks and meet our specifications. We have the right to inspect your Restaurant while it is being constructed. You may not open your Restaurant for business without our approval.
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, if you are opening a Crave Restaurant, you are required to use the franchisor's designated contractor for the build-out of your Restaurant.
Crave requires that the Restaurant be constructed according to approved plans, and they will provide sample plans or specifications. While franchisees can arrange for construction plans, these must incorporate Crave's requirements for the site. The franchisor also retains the right to designate or approve the architect/designer used for the project.
Crave must approve the construction plans before building commences, and any changes to these plans also require their approval. However, Crave's review of the plans is limited to verifying trade dress, marks, and specifications, and does not ensure compliance with laws, regulations, or building codes, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. Crave also has the right to inspect the Restaurant during construction and must provide final approval before the Restaurant can open for business.