What are the specific requirements for maintaining the Dq Treat brand image (Item 8 and Item 9)?
Dq_Treat Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must maintain and comply with ADQ's quality standards to protect the uniform image and quality of products and services throughout the DQ® system.
You must modernize your building, premises, equipment, signage and grounds to conform to ADQ's then-current standards for similarly situated new DQ® restaurants when you renew your franchise, on transfer of the franchise under certain circumstances, and every 10 years or any shorter period required by any applicable lease or sublease for the premises.
You may only use or purchase products approved by ADQ that meet ADQ's specifications. For purposes of this Item 8, "products" includes products, services, ingredients, supplies, signage, fixtures, furnishings, advertising and sales promotion materials, and equipment (including hardware and software for a computerized electronic point-of-sale ("EPOS") system or other
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.
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.
Licensee must have access at all times to the internet (or future form of electronic communication) at the Restaurant through an established service provider. Licensee must purchase, install and maintain a minimum of one DSL or cable/broadband internet connection and (if required by Company) one additional phone line or other future required communication access device that are exclusively designated and permanently connected to the EPOS System and any required Computer Systems.
Licensee must not permit the following on the Restaurant premises:
- (A) Video game machines, vending machines or any similar coin-operated or electronic device or machine.
- (B) The sale, distribution or use of lottery or gambling devices of any nature, alcoholic or intoxicating beverages, or controlled substances.
- (C) Smoking, and Licensee must post signs on all doors and throughout the Restaurant to announce the smoke-free policy.
The Restaurant must be operated and maintained at all times in compliance with all applicable health and sanitary standards prescribed by governmental authority. Licensee must also comply with any higher standards that Company prescribes. In addition, if the Restaurant is subject to any sanitary or health inspection by any governmental authorities under which it may be rated in one or more classification, it must be maintained and operated so as to be rated in the highest available health and sanitary classification by the inspecting governmental agency. If Licensee fails to be rated
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Dq Treat FDD, maintaining the brand image involves several requirements related to the store's appearance, product quality, and operational standards. Dq Treat franchisees must ensure their building, premises, equipment, and signage conform to Dq Treat's current standards, especially during franchise renewal, transfer, or every 10 years. This includes using only approved products that meet Dq Treat's specifications, which covers a wide range of items from ingredients to advertising materials. Dq Treat also has the right to periodically change the list of approved products and update their specifications.
The FDD also specifies that franchisees must comply with the standards, procedures, techniques, and management systems detailed in the Operations Manual. These cover various aspects such as product preparation, menu, storage, uniforms, financial management, equipment, facility maintenance, and sanitation. Franchisees are obligated to notify Dq Treat of any claims or litigation arising from the restaurant's operation. The Operations Manual contains mandatory and suggested specifications, standards, and operating procedures that Dq Treat develops to protect its interest in the System and Trademarks and to create a uniform customer experience.
Furthermore, Dq Treat requires franchisees to maintain internet access and use an active email account for communication. The FDD also prohibits certain activities on the premises, such as video game machines, vending machines, the sale of alcohol or gambling devices, and smoking. Health and sanitation standards must be maintained at the highest classification prescribed by governmental authorities, and any failure to comply must be immediately reported to Dq Treat. These requirements collectively ensure that each Dq Treat location maintains a consistent brand image and operational quality, protecting the brand's reputation and customer experience.