Can a Gokhale Method franchisee rent space on a weekly basis?
Gokhale_Method Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
Although you are not required to purchase or lease real estate, and we anticipate that you will rent space from a third party on an hourly, daily, weekly or monthly basis, we reserve the right to prescribe standards for the location where you will conduct classes. Presently, for private students, room dimensions should be at least 10 by 10 feet; for groups of four or less, 10 by 16 feet; and for 5 to 8 students, 14 by 20 feet. Space should be in compliance with local building codes; with federal, state and local laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act; with local zoning and land use regulations for conducting Gokhale Method classes; and have access to rest rooms.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 15–17)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Gokhale Method's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are not required to purchase or lease real estate. The FDD anticipates that franchisees will rent space from a third party on an hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly basis. This provides flexibility for franchisees in managing their overhead costs, as they can choose a rental arrangement that best suits their needs and class schedules.
The FDD also states that Gokhale Method reserves the right to prescribe standards for the location where classes are conducted. Currently, the requirements for private students are room dimensions of at least 10 by 10 feet; for groups of four or less, 10 by 16 feet; and for 5 to 8 students, 14 by 20 feet. The space must comply with local building codes, federal, state, and local laws (including the Americans with Disabilities Act), and local zoning and land use regulations for conducting Gokhale Method classes, and must have access to restrooms.
This arrangement allows a Gokhale Method franchisee to operate without the significant capital investment typically associated with leasing or purchasing commercial real estate. However, franchisees must ensure that any rental space they use meets the standards set by Gokhale Method and complies with all applicable laws and regulations. This includes verifying compliance with building codes, ADA requirements, and zoning laws, which may require some due diligence and coordination with the landlord or local authorities.