Does Hawaiian Bros Island Grill require franchisees to use RingCentral for phones/VOIP services?
Hawaiian_Bros_Island_Grill Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- (7) Franchisee will (i) comply with and adhere to the Standards, policies and procedures set forth in the Operations Manual, as revised and supplemented from time to time, (ii) follow Company procedures in the storage, preparation, presentation and dispensing of authorized menu items, and other authorized Hawaiian Bros Restaurant merchandise and the acquisition of items from approved suppliers, (iii) purchase and use fresh, processed and prepackaged ingredients that satisfy or exceed the minimum grade or quality Standards Company from time to time specifies, (iv) purchase from Company or a source Company designates and exclusively use Hawaiian Bros Island Grill brand sauces and other proprietary products specially produced for the Hawaiian Bros Island Grill restaurant chain, and (v) purchase inventory, supplies, equipment, merchandise and technology services only from suppliers Company designates or approves from time to time, the number of which may be limited by Company.
Franchisee acknowledges that Company and/or a Company Affiliate may be a supplier of approved or required inventory, supplies, equipment, merchandise or technology services and Company or one of its Affiliates may be the only approved supplier with respect to certain of such items, some of which may be required.
Company reserves the right to prohibit or restrict Franchisee's use of non-required service providers when Company determines, in its sole discretion, that they demonstrate meaningful risks to the System.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 77–262)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
The 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document for Hawaiian Bros Island Grill does not explicitly state whether franchisees are required to use RingCentral for phone or VOIP services. However, the FDD does state that franchisees must purchase inventory, supplies, equipment, merchandise, and technology services only from suppliers that Hawaiian Bros Island Grill designates or approves. Hawaiian Bros Island Grill also reserves the right to prohibit or restrict a franchisee's use of non-required service providers if they demonstrate meaningful risks to the system. This suggests that while RingCentral isn't specifically mentioned, Hawaiian Bros Island Grill has the authority to mandate or approve specific technology service providers.
Given this information, it is possible that Hawaiian Bros Island Grill could require or approve RingCentral or a similar service for phone/VOIP. A prospective franchisee should clarify with Hawaiian Bros Island Grill whether using RingCentral or another specific phone/VOIP system is mandatory, recommended, or optional.
It would also be prudent to inquire about the costs associated with any required or approved systems and whether there are any restrictions on using alternative providers. This information is crucial for understanding the overall technology expenses and operational requirements of a Hawaiian Bros Island Grill franchise.