What is the Dog Haus Franchisee's obligation regarding de-identifying a former Franchised Location after relocation?
Dog_Haus Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
If Franchisor consents to a relocation, Franchisee shall de-identify the former Franchised Location in the manner described in Section 17.1 and shall reimburse and indemnify and hold Franchisor harmless from any direct and indirect losses, costs and expenses, including attorneys' fees, arising out of Franchisee's failure to do so.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 87)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Dog Haus's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee relocates their restaurant with the franchisor's consent, they are obligated to de-identify the former location. This means the franchisee must remove all branding, signage, and other elements that identify it as a former Dog Haus restaurant. The specific manner of de-identification is detailed in Section 17.1 of the franchise agreement.
Furthermore, the franchisee is responsible for reimbursing and indemnifying Dog Haus against any losses, costs, and expenses, including attorney's fees, that arise from their failure to properly de-identify the former location. This provision protects the Dog Haus brand and prevents customer confusion by ensuring that the former location does not continue to appear as an active Dog Haus restaurant.
Section 17.1 specifies that the franchisee must make cosmetic changes to the location so that it no longer contains or resembles Dog Haus's proprietary designs. This includes removing all identifying materials, distinctive cosmetic features, furniture, interior and exterior finishes and colors, and signage as directed by Dog Haus. This obligation is in place to protect the Dog Haus System, Marks, Trade Secrets, and associated goodwill.