Does the Face Foundrie advisory council have decision-making authority?
Face_Foundrie Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We have formed an advisory council made up of franchisees and Franchisor representatives. The initial slate of franchisee members of the council were selected by the Franchisor; following these initial terms franchisee members will be elected by franchisees. The advisory council acts in an advisory capacity only and does not have decision making authority. We reserve the right to change or dissolve it at any time.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 33–43)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Face Foundrie's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the advisory council is designed to provide advice and feedback to the company, but it does not possess any actual decision-making power. The council is composed of both franchisees and representatives from Face Foundrie. Initially, Face Foundrie selects the franchisee members, but subsequent members are elected by the franchisees themselves. Face Foundrie retains the right to modify or even dissolve the advisory council at its discretion.
For a prospective franchisee, this means that while they may have the opportunity to participate in the advisory council and voice their opinions, the ultimate decisions regarding the Face Foundrie franchise system remain with the franchisor. The council serves as a channel for communication and suggestions, but Face Foundrie is not obligated to act on the council's recommendations.
This structure is fairly common in franchising, where franchisors often seek franchisee input through advisory councils while maintaining control over the brand and its operations. Franchisees should recognize that their participation in the advisory council is a chance to influence, but not dictate, the direction of the franchise system. It is important for potential franchisees to understand the limitations of the advisory council and to consider this when evaluating the overall franchise opportunity.