Does Crisp & Green have a franchisee advisory council that advises on advertising policies?
Crisp_Green Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
We do not have a formal franchisee advisory council that advises us on advertising policies.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 33–44)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Crisp & Green's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, the company does not have a formal franchisee advisory council that advises on advertising policies. This means that franchisees may have limited direct input on the brand's advertising strategies and policies.
Crisp & Green retains sole control over the creative concepts and materials used in advertising, as well as their placement and allocation. They direct all programs financed by the National Marketing Fee, which is currently 2% of a franchisee's gross sales, but can be increased up to 3%. This fee is used for marketing and promotional efforts that benefit all restaurants, but Crisp & Green does not provide a separate accounting for how the revenue is spent.
While franchisees do not have a formal advisory council, they are required to participate in local marketing initiatives, including the "Local Marketing Core Four" program. This program involves wellness-related or community events, business and catering outreaches, digital marketing spend, and responding to guest reviews. All marketing materials must be approved by Crisp & Green, and unauthorized use of unapproved materials can result in a charge of up to $1,500 per day. Prospective franchisees should inquire about how they can provide feedback or suggestions regarding advertising and marketing strategies, given the absence of a formal advisory council.