What standards must food and beverage items conform to at a Crave franchise?
Crave Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
7.5.3 To maintain in sufficient supply and to use and sell at all times only such food and beverage items, ingredients, other products, materials, merchandise, supplies and paper goods that conform to our standards and specifications; to prepare all menu items in accordance with our recipes and procedures for preparation contained in the Manual or other written directives, including, but not limited to, the prescribed measurements of ingredients; and to refrain from deviating from our standards and specifications by the use or offer of non-conforming items or differing amounts of any items, without our prior written consent.
7.5.4 To permit us or our agents, during normal business hours, to remove a reasonable number of samples of food or non-food items from your inventory or from the Franchised Business, without payment therefor, in amounts reasonably necessary for testing by us or an independent laboratory to determine whether such samples meet our then-current standards and specifications.
In addition to any other remedies we may have under this Agreement, we may require you to bear the cost of such testing if the supplier of the item has not previously been approved by us or if the sample fails to conform with our reasonable specifications.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 63–253)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Crave's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must maintain a sufficient supply of food and beverage items that adhere to Crave's standards and specifications. This includes using and selling only approved food, beverage items, ingredients, other products, materials, merchandise, supplies, and paper goods. Franchisees are required to prepare all menu items according to Crave's recipes and procedures, as outlined in the manual or other written directives, including precise measurements of ingredients.
Crave franchisees are prohibited from deviating from these standards and specifications by using non-conforming items or differing amounts of any items without prior written consent from Crave. To ensure compliance, Crave or its agents may, during normal business hours, remove samples of food or non-food items from the franchisee's inventory for testing. These samples are taken without payment, in amounts reasonably necessary for testing by Crave or an independent laboratory to determine if they meet the current standards and specifications.
The FDD states that if the supplier of an item has not been previously approved by Crave or if the sample fails to conform to Crave's specifications, the franchisee may be required to bear the cost of such testing. This provision underscores the importance of adhering to approved suppliers and maintaining the quality and consistency of products offered at the Crave franchise.
These regulations ensure that all Crave locations maintain a consistent level of quality and adhere to the brand's standards, which is a common practice in franchising to protect brand reputation and customer experience. Prospective franchisees should carefully review the operations manual and any written directives to fully understand the specific standards and specifications required by Crave.