What standards must a Dq Treat store meet regarding construction and equipment?
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.
While you are not required to purchase or lease real estate from ADQ or its affiliates, you must obtain ADQ's consent to the location of your store, and ADQ has the right but not the obligation to approve the lease for the store premises prior to execution. You must construct and equip your store according to the then-current design, specifications and standards and must ensure that your building plans comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act and all other federal, state and local laws.
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
Source: Item 8 — UItem 8U***:** U**Restrictions on Sources of Products and Services (FDD pages 29–35)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Dq Treat Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must construct and equip their stores according to Dq Treat's then-current design, specifications, and standards. Franchisees must also ensure that their building plans comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act and all other federal, state, and local laws. This ensures uniformity and compliance across all Dq Treat locations.
Furthermore, franchisees are obligated to modernize their building, premises, equipment, signage, and grounds to meet Dq Treat's current standards for new, similarly situated restaurants. This modernization is required when the franchise is renewed, under certain transfer circumstances, and every 10 years, or sooner if required by any applicable lease or sublease. This requirement helps maintain a consistent and up-to-date brand image.
The FDD also specifies that franchisees must only use or purchase products approved by Dq Treat that meet the company's specifications. These products include items such as ingredients, supplies, signage, fixtures, furnishings, advertising materials, and equipment, including hardware and software for computerized electronic point-of-sale (EPOS) systems. Dq Treat periodically identifies approved products and can change the list and specifications as needed. This allows Dq Treat to maintain quality control and consistency in its operations.