Does the Ella Cafe Franchise Disclosure Questionnaire require confirmation that the franchise disclosure document has been reviewed?
Ella_Cafe Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
, OR WHO INTEND TO OPERATE THE FRANCHISED BUSINESS IN THE STATE OF MARYLAND: DO NOT COMPLETE THIS QUESTIONNAIRE OR TO RESPOND TO ANY OF THE QUESTIONS IN THIS QUESTIONNAIRE.**
As you know, Ella Coffee Company, LLC ("we" or "us") and you are preparing to enter into a Franchise Agreement for the operation of an ELLA COFFEE HOUSE franchise. The purposes of this Questionnaire are to determine whether any statements or promises were made to you that we have not authorized or that may be untrue, inaccurate, or misleading, to be certain that you have been properly represented in this transaction, and to be certain that you understand the limitations on claims you may make by reason of the purchase and operation of your franchise. You cannot sign or date this Questionnaire the same day as the Receipt for the Franchise disclosure document, but you must sign and date it the same day you sign the Franchise Agreement and pay your franchise fee.
Please review each of the following statements and provide your initials as confirmation of each
statement: 1. __________ I have received and personally reviewed the Franchise Agreement and each exhibit or scheduled attached to it. 2. __________ I have received and personally viewed the franchise disclosure document as provided by Ella Coffee Company, LLC. 3. __________ I have signed the receipt page for the franchise disclosure document indicating the date I received it. 4. __________ I understand all the information contained in the franchise disclosure document and the Franchise Agreement. 5.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 50–181)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Ella Cafe's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Franchise Disclosure Questionnaire does require confirmation that the franchise disclosure document has been reviewed. Specifically, prospective franchisees are asked to initial a statement confirming they have received and personally reviewed the franchise disclosure document provided by Ella Coffee Company, LLC.
This requirement ensures that franchisees acknowledge they have accessed and examined the critical information contained within the FDD. This includes details about fees, obligations, and potential risks associated with operating an Ella Cafe franchise. By initialing the statement, the franchisee confirms they are aware of this information before entering into a franchise agreement.
However, it is important to note that prospective franchisees residing in, or intending to operate the franchised business in the State of Maryland, are instructed not to complete the questionnaire or respond to any of the questions within it. This suggests that Ella Cafe may have specific legal or regulatory considerations related to franchising in Maryland that necessitate a different approach to disclosure and franchisee acknowledgment.