Does the 'Development Period' for a Dog Haus franchise include the time to equip the restaurant?

According to Dog Haus's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Development Period does include the time to equip the restaurant. The Development Period is defined as the time during which the Area Developer has the right and obligation to construct, equip, open, and operate Dog Haus restaurants. This means that franchisees must factor in the time it takes to equip their restaurants when planning their development schedule.

Dog Haus requires Area Developers to adhere to a Minimum Development Obligation, which specifies the number of Dog Haus Restaurants that must be opened within each Development Period. Failure to meet this obligation, unless due to an event of Force Majeure, constitutes a default under the Area Development Agreement and may lead to termination of the agreement.

Prospective franchisees should carefully review Exhibit A of the Area Development Agreement, as it contains the specific Development Schedule and Minimum Development Obligations. Understanding these timelines is crucial for managing expectations and ensuring compliance with the agreement. The Area Developer is responsible for identifying suitable sites for Dog Haus Restaurants and obtaining the necessary leases or purchase agreements. This process also needs to be factored into the overall development timeline.