Does the definition of 'Applicable Law' for a Dog Haus franchise include procedures?
Dog_Haus Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
isee shall have a minimum of thirty (30) days and not more than sixty (60) days after receipt of written notice in which to fully implement any menu change. Franchisee shall cease selling previously approved Dog Haus Authorized Products, or Sub-Branded Product s, if applicable, within thirty (30) days after receipt of notice that the product is no longer approved. All menus, containers, napkins, bags, cups and other packaging and like articles used at the Franchised Restaurant shall conform to Franchisor's specifications, shall be imprinted with the Dog Haus Marks, if and as specified by Franchisor, and shall be purchased by Franchisee from a Dog Haus Approved Supplier.
- 7.15 Compliance with Applicable Law. Franchisee shall operate the Franchised Restaurant as a clean, orderly, legal and respectable place of business in accordance with Franchisor's business standards and merchandising policies and shall comply with all Applicable Laws. Franchisee shall not cause or allow any part of the Franchised Restaurant or the Franchised Location to be used for any immoral or illegal purpose. Franchisee shall in all dealings with its customers, suppliers, and public officials adhere to high standards of honesty, integrity, fair dealing and ethical conduct and refrain from engaging in any action which will cause Franchisor to be in violation of any Applicable Law. If Franchisee shall receive any notice, report, fine, test results or the like from any applicable department of health (or other similar Governmental Authority), Franchisee shall promptly send a copy of the same to Franchisor.
- 7.16 Hours. Subject to Applicable Law, Dog Haus Fast Casual Restaurants shall be open and operational at least eleven (11) hours per day, seven (7) days per week or as otherwise prescribed by Franchisor and Dog Haus Biergarten Restaurants shall be open and operational at least thirteen (13) hours per day, seven (7) days per week or as otherwise prescribed by Franchisor. Franchisee shall continually operate the Franchised Restaurant throughout the Term. Franchisee shall diligently and efficiently exercise its best efforts to achieve the maximum Gross Sales possible from its Franchised Location, and shall remain open for longer hours if additional opening hours are reasonably required to maximize operations and sales.
- 7.17 Signs.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 87)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
Based on the 2025 Dog Haus Franchise Disclosure Document, the term "Applicable Law" is mentioned frequently within the context of franchisee responsibilities and obligations. For example, franchisees must operate their restaurants in compliance with all Applicable Laws and must adhere to high standards of honesty and ethical conduct to avoid causing Dog Haus to violate any Applicable Law. Franchisees are also required to comply with all Applicable Laws pertaining to the privacy of customer, employee, and transactional information.
Additionally, the FDD states that Dog Haus restaurants must operate for a minimum number of hours daily, subject to Applicable Law. Signage and awnings must also conform to Dog Haus's specifications, but are also subject to restrictions imposed by Applicable Law. Furthermore, Dog Haus has the right to establish pricing guidelines for authorized products, and franchisees must comply with these prices, subject to Applicable Law.
While the term "Applicable Law" is used throughout Item 22, the document does not explicitly define what constitutes "Applicable Law" or whether it includes specific procedures. Therefore, it remains unclear if "Applicable Law" encompasses not only statutes and regulations but also the specific procedures required for compliance. A prospective franchisee should seek clarification from Dog Haus regarding the precise definition of "Applicable Law" to fully understand their obligations.