What are the routine cleaning and aesthetic maintenance obligations for equipment at a Dq Treat franchise?
Dq_Treat Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 6.10 Operating Procedures. Licensee must comply with the required standards, procedures, techniques, and management systems described in the Operations Manual relating to the development and operation of the Restaurant, including product preparation, menu, storage, uniforms, financial management, equipment, facility maintenance, and sanitation. Licensee must promptly notify Company of any claim or litigation in which Licensee is involved that arises from the operation of the Restaurant.
- 6.11 Operations Manual. Company will provide on loan to Licensee, during the term of this agreement, a hard copy or electronic or online access to the Operations Manual. The Operations Manual will contain mandatory and suggested specifications, standards and operating procedures that Company develops for DQ® restaurants and information relating to Licensee's other obligations. Any required specifications, standards and operating procedures exist to protect Company's interest in the System and the Trademarks and to create a uniform customer experience, and not for the purpose of establishing any control or duty to take control over those matters that are reserved to Licensee. Company may add to, and otherwise modify, the Operations Manual to reflect changes in authorized products and services, the Company required maximum, minimum, or other prices for Menu items, and specifications, standards and operating procedures of a DQ® restaurant. Company will provide Licensee with notification of any additions and modifications to the Operations Manual. The master copy of the Operations Manual that Company maintains at its principal office or on its website will control if there is a dispute involving the contents of the Operations Manual. Licensee must, at its expense, comply with all provisions of the Operations Manual.
Source: Item 17 — The following paragraph is added to the end of Item 17 of the Disclosure Document: (FDD pages 70–378)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
The 2025 Dq Treat FDD states that franchisees must adhere to the standards and procedures outlined in the Operations Manual regarding facility maintenance and sanitation. This manual, provided to the franchisee during the agreement term, contains mandatory specifications, standards, and operating procedures developed by Dq Treat for its restaurants. These procedures are designed to protect Dq Treat's interest in its system and trademarks, as well as to ensure a consistent customer experience.
The Operations Manual may be modified by Dq Treat to reflect changes in authorized products and services, pricing, and operating procedures. Franchisees will be notified of any additions or modifications to the Operations Manual and are responsible for complying with all its provisions at their own expense. In case of a dispute, the master copy of the Operations Manual maintained by Dq Treat will be the controlling document.
While the FDD mentions the Operations Manual as the governing document for maintenance and sanitation standards, it does not provide specific details on the routine cleaning and aesthetic maintenance obligations for equipment. For a comprehensive understanding of these obligations, a prospective franchisee should review the Operations Manual carefully and ask Dq Treat for clarification on any specific maintenance requirements.