Under what conditions can a Fitstop franchisee deviate from the recommended operating hours?
Fitstop Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
We expect that you will keep your Franchised Business open and operating during those hours where the majority of our System businesses are open or as otherwise recommended in our Operations Manual, but as an independent contractor you may deviate from our recommended hours if (a) there are local regulations or landlord restrictions that affect your ability to actively operate your Franchised Business, or (b) you otherwise provide us with notice in writing of your hours of operation and an explanation regarding any material deviation from our recommended hours of operation.
Source: Item 15 — OBLIGATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ACTUAL OPERATION OF THE FRANCHISE BUSINESS (FDD pages 40–41)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Fitstop's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, while franchisees are expected to keep their businesses open during the hours where the majority of Fitstop locations operate, there are circumstances where deviations are permitted. As an independent contractor, a Fitstop franchisee can adjust operating hours if certain conditions are met.
Specifically, a franchisee may deviate from the recommended hours if (a) local regulations or landlord restrictions affect their ability to operate, or (b) they provide Fitstop with written notice of their intended hours and an explanation for any significant deviation from the recommended hours. This flexibility acknowledges that local market conditions and external factors can influence the optimal operating hours for a Fitstop franchise.
This policy provides Fitstop franchisees with some autonomy to tailor their business operations to their specific location and circumstances. However, it also requires them to communicate any significant changes to Fitstop, ensuring that the franchisor is aware of and understands the reasons behind the deviation. This balance between franchisor recommendations and franchisee flexibility is common in franchising, allowing for both brand consistency and local adaptation.