What is the purpose of maintaining ADQ's quality standards for a Dq Treat franchise?

According to Dq Treat's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must comply with ADQ's quality standards to protect the uniform image and quality of products and services throughout the DQ® system. This means that maintaining these standards is essential for ensuring consistency across all Dq Treat locations, which helps to build and maintain brand recognition and customer trust.

For a prospective franchisee, this requirement translates into adhering to specific guidelines and procedures in all aspects of the business, from store design and equipment to the products and services offered. Dq Treat franchisees must construct and equip their stores according to the then-current design, specifications, and standards. This also includes using only ADQ-approved products that meet the franchisor's specifications. These products encompass a wide range of items, including ingredients, supplies, signage, fixtures, furnishings, advertising, and equipment.

While franchisees are not required to purchase or lease real estate from ADQ or its affiliates, they must obtain ADQ's consent for the store's location. Furthermore, franchisees are obligated to modernize their buildings, premises, equipment, signage, and grounds to conform to ADQ's current standards when renewing their franchise, transferring it under certain conditions, and every 10 years or any shorter period required by an applicable lease. This ensures that all Dq Treat locations remain up-to-date and aligned with the brand's image.

ADQ periodically identifies approved products and has the right to change the list of approved products and update their specifications. This ongoing oversight helps maintain quality and consistency throughout the Dq Treat system. While ADQ provides no material benefit based on the purchase of particular products or services, compliance with these standards is a condition of the franchise agreement and is considered when determining eligibility for additional franchise opportunities.