When must a prospective Ella Cafe franchisee sign and date the Franchise Disclosure Questionnaire?

According to Ella Cafe's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, a prospective franchisee cannot sign or date the Franchise Disclosure Questionnaire on the same day as they receive the Franchise Disclosure Document. However, they are required to sign and date the Questionnaire on the same day they sign the Franchise Agreement and pay their franchise fee.

This requirement ensures that the franchisee has had sufficient time to review the Franchise Disclosure Document and seek professional advice before committing to the franchise. By delaying the signing of the Questionnaire until the Franchise Agreement is signed, Ella Cafe aims to confirm that the franchisee understands the terms and conditions of the agreement and has not been subjected to any unauthorized or misleading statements.

It's important to note that this requirement applies to prospective Ella Cafe franchisees, except for those who reside in, or intend to operate the franchised business in the State of Maryland, as they are instructed not to complete or respond to the Questionnaire at all. This could be due to specific state regulations or legal considerations in Maryland that require a different approach to franchise disclosure and franchisee protection.