factual

What is the consequence if an Ella Cafe franchisee purchases from an unapproved source items for which Designated Suppliers are identified?

Ella_Cafe Franchise · 2024 FDD

Answer from 2024 FDD Document

s own education concerning these regulations and standards and for achieving and maintaining applicable compliance certifications. Franchisee shall defend, indemnify, and hold Franchisor harmless from and against all claims arising out of or related to Franchisee's violation of the provisions of this Section 6.15.

ARTICLE 8. SUPPLIERS AND VENDORS

8.1 Generally.

Franchisee will purchase only from Franchisor, suppliers, or distributors designated by Franchisor ("Designated Suppliers"): (a) fixtures, furniture, equipment, interior and exterior signage, decor, trade dress (as Franchisor defines trade dress), and Coffee House design consulting services; (b) food products and ingredients, whether or not they are developed by or for Franchisor pursuant to a special recipe, formula, or specifications; (c) all fountain and bottled beverages; (d) uniforms, shirts, memorabilia, and all merchandise and items intended for retail sale (whether or

not bearing our Marks); (e) advertising, point-of-purchase materials, and other printed promotional materials; (f) gift certificates, stored value cards, and other non-cash payment systems; (g) stationery, business cards, contracts, and forms; (h) bags, packaging, and supplies bearing Franchisor's Marks; and (i) all other goods and/or services as Franchisor requires. Franchisor may receive money or other benefits from Designated Suppliers based on Franchisee's purchases. Franchisee agrees that Franchisor has the right to retain and use all such benefits as it deems appropriate, in its sole discretion. Franchisor herby retains the right to add, delete, or modify any items which must be purchased from the Designated Supplier by updating the operations manual. Furthermore, franchisor retains the right to be the Designated Supplier for certain initial inventories including but not limited to coffee beans and ground coffee, supplies, branded paper products, and similar merchandises. Franchisor retains the right to be the sole supplier for any branded products used in operation of your Franchised Business.

Franchisee may purchase from any supplier items and services for which Franchisor has not identified Designated Suppliers, as long as the items and services meet Franchisor's specifications. These specifications may include brand requirements ("Approved Brands"), and to the extent that Approved Brands have been identified, Franchisee must purchase and use only the Approved Brands.

  • 8.2 Alternate Vendor Approval. If Franchisor requires Franchisee to purchase a particular Input only from an Approved Vendor or Required Vendor, and Franchisee desires to purchase the Input from another vendor, then Franchisee must submit a written request for approval and any information, specifications and/or samples requested by Franchisor. Franchisor may condition its approval on such criteria as Franchisor deems appropriate, which may include evaluations of the vendor's capacity, quality, financial stability, reputation, and reliability; inspections; product testing, and performance reviews.

Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 50)

What This Means (2024 FDD)

The 2024 Ella Cafe Franchise Disclosure Document outlines specific requirements for franchisees regarding suppliers and purchasing. Ella Cafe franchisees are obligated to purchase certain items from designated suppliers, including fixtures, furniture, equipment, signage, decor, food products, beverages, uniforms, merchandise, promotional materials, gift certificates, stationery, and packaging. Ella Cafe may receive benefits from these designated suppliers based on franchisee purchases.

If a franchisee wishes to purchase from an unapproved source, they must submit a written request to Ella Cafe for approval. Alternatively, the supplier can submit the request themselves. Ella Cafe has the right to inspect the supplier's facilities and require information, specifications, and samples for testing at the franchisee's expense. The cost includes the inspection and testing fees. Ella Cafe will then notify the franchisee of their decision within 60 days of the request.

Ella Cafe retains the right to re-inspect approved suppliers and revoke approval if they fail to meet the franchisor's quality and reliability standards. While the FDD details the process for requesting approval of alternate suppliers, it does not explicitly state the consequences of purchasing from unapproved sources without following this process. A prospective franchisee should seek clarification from Ella Cafe regarding the specific penalties or repercussions for non-compliance with the approved supplier policy.

Disclaimer: This information is extracted from the 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document and is provided for research purposes only. It does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with a franchise attorney before making any investment decisions.