For a Crave restaurant, from whom must I obtain architectural, engineering, and design services for construction?
Crave Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must obtain any architectural, engineering and design services required for the construction of the Restaurant at your own expense from an architectural design firm approved or designated by us. You shall adapt the prototypical architectural and design plans and specifications for construction of the Restaurant provided to you by us in accordance with Section 5.3 as necessary for the construction of the Restaurant and shall submit such adapted plans to us for our review. Such plans must comply with applicable laws (including the Americans with Disabilities Act), ordinances and building codes for the city and state in which the Restaurant will be located. If we determine, in our reasonable discretion, that any such plans are not consistent with the best interests of the System, we may prohibit the implementation of such plans, and in this event will notify you of any objection(s) within ten (10) days of receiving such plans. If we fail to notify you of an objection to the plans within this time period, you may use such plans. If we object to any such plans, we shall provide you with a reasonably detailed list of changes necessary to make the plans acceptable. We shall, upon a re-submission of the plans with such changes, notify you within ten (10) days of receiving the resubmitted plans whether the plans are approved. If we fail to notify you in writing of any objection within such time period, you may use the resubmitted plans. You acknowledge that our review of such plans relates only to compliance with the System and that approval by us of such plans does not constitute a representation, warranty, or guarantee, express or implied, by us that such plans are accurate or free of error concerning their design or structural application, or that such plans comply with any laws, ordinances or building codes applicable to the Accepted Location.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 63–253)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Crave's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to obtain architectural, engineering, and design services from a firm that has been approved or designated by Crave. The franchisee is responsible for covering the expenses associated with these services.
Crave will provide franchisees with prototypical architectural and design plans which the franchisee must then adapt to the specific construction or improvement needs of their restaurant. These adapted plans must be compliant with all applicable laws, ordinances, and building codes, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, for the city and state in which the restaurant will be located. The franchisee must submit these adapted plans to Crave for review.
Crave retains the right to reject any plans that it deems inconsistent with the best interests of the Crave system. If Crave objects to the plans, it will provide a detailed list of necessary changes within ten days of receiving the plans. If Crave fails to provide an objection within the specified time, the franchisee is permitted to proceed with the submitted plans. Approval of the plans by Crave relates only to compliance with the Crave system and does not constitute a warranty or guarantee of accuracy, structural application, or compliance with local laws and codes.