Where can exceptions to the consecutive day closure rule be found for Hck Hot Chicken?
Hck_Hot_Chicken Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
s interest in Franchisee to Franchisee's other Owners; or (ix) Franchisee's and any Restricted Person's failure to comply with Section 12 or Section 20 of this Agreement.
- 14.3 Option to Terminate Without Opportunity to Cure. Franchisee shall be deemed to be in default and Franchisor may, at its option, terminate this Agreement and all rights granted hereunder, without affording Franchisee any opportunity to cure the default, effective immediately upon receipt of notice by Franchisor upon the occurrence of any of the following events:
- 14.3.1 Abandonment. If Franchisee shall abandon the Franchised Restaurant. For purposes of this Agreement, "abandon" shall refer to (i) Franchisee's failure, at any time during the term of this Agreement, to keep the Premises or Franchised Restaurant open and operating for business for a period of three consecutive days, except as provided in the HCK Hot Chicken Brand Standards Manual, (ii) Franchisee's failure to keep the Premises or Franchised Restaurant open and operating for any period after which it is not unreasonable under the facts and circumstances for Franchisor to conclude that Franchisee does not intend to continue to operate the Franchised Restaurant, unless such failure to operate is due to Force Majeure (subject to Franchisee's continuing compliance with this Agreement), (iii) failure to actively and continuously maintain and answer the telephone listed by Franchisee for the Franchised Restaurant solely with the "HCK Hot Chicken" name (as the same may be modified in accordance with this Agreement); (iv) the withdrawal of permission from the applicable lessor that results in Franchisee's inability to continue operation of the Franchised Restaurant; or (v) closing of the Franchised Restaurant required by Applicable Law if such closing was not the result of a violation of this Agreement by Franchisor.
Source: Item 21 — FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (FDD page 54)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Hck Hot Chicken's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the exceptions to the three-consecutive-day closure rule are found in the HCK Hot Chicken Brand Standards Manual. Specifically, the franchise agreement states that failing to keep the restaurant open for three consecutive days constitutes abandonment, which is grounds for termination of the agreement without opportunity to cure, unless an exception applies as detailed in the Brand Standards Manual.
Additionally, the FDD specifies that Hck Hot Chicken restaurants must be open seven days a week, every day of the year, from 11 AM to 10 PM, but it also states that franchisees are authorized to close on Thanksgiving and Christmas. The franchisor may also authorize or direct franchisees to operate during different hours or on fewer days than specified in the agreement.
For a prospective franchisee, this means that while consistent operation is expected, there are explicitly defined exceptions for major holidays and potential for franchisor-approved variations. It is important to review the HCK Hot Chicken Brand Standards Manual carefully to understand all potential exceptions to the consecutive day closure rule and to maintain open communication with the franchisor regarding any needed deviations from the standard operating hours or days.