Are Gokhale Method franchisees required to provide access to restrooms in their class location?
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 required to ensure that the location where they conduct classes has access to restrooms. While franchisees are not required to purchase or lease real estate, Gokhale Method reserves the right to set standards for the class location. These standards include compliance with local building codes, federal, state, and local laws (including the Americans with Disabilities Act), and local zoning and land use regulations. Meeting these location standards is a requirement for operating a Gokhale Method franchise.
This requirement means that prospective franchisees need to carefully consider the locations they choose for conducting classes. They must verify that the space complies with all applicable laws and regulations, including providing restroom access. This may involve additional costs to ensure compliance, such as modifications to the space or selecting a location that already meets these standards.
Failing to meet these location standards could result in the franchisee being unable to conduct classes or facing legal repercussions for non-compliance. Therefore, it is crucial for franchisees to thoroughly assess potential locations and confirm that they meet all the necessary requirements before committing to a space. This also highlights the importance of working with a landlord or property owner who understands and can accommodate these requirements.