Where must a Hck Hot Chicken franchisee purchase tableware, flatware, and other similar items?
Hck_Hot_Chicken Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
All products to be used in the operation of the business including tableware, flatware, utensils, glasses, menus, and other like articles used in connection with the Franchised Restaurant shall conform to Franchisor's specifications, shall be imprinted with Franchisor's Marks, if and as specified by Franchisor, and shall be purchased by Franchisee from a Supplier approved in writing by Franchisor, as provided in Section 9 of this Agreement.
9.2.1 Franchisee may purchase authorized Non-Proprietary Products from: (i) Franchisor or its Affiliates (if they sell the same); (ii) Suppliers designated or approved in writing by Franchisor; or (iii) Suppliers selected by Franchisee and approved in writing by Franchisor prior to Franchisee making such purchase(s); provided, however, that if this is one of the first three Restaurants developed by Franchisee or its Affiliates, Franchisee must purchase certain Non-Proprietary Products that Franchisor designates only from Franchisor or Suppliers it designates, including new equipment for all items that impact food production and the guest experience, and large equipment and small wares.
9.2.2 If Franchisee should desire to procure authorized Non-Proprietary Products from a Supplier other than Franchisor or one previously approved or designated by Franchisor (and not subsequently disapproved), Franchisee shall deliver a written variance request to Franchisor of its desire to seek approval of such Supplier, which notice shall: (a) identify the name and address of such Supplier; (b) contain such information as may be requested by Franchisor or required to be provided pursuant to the HCK Hot Chicken Brand Standards Manual (which may include reasonable financial, operational and economic information regarding its business and its product); and (c) identify the authorized Non-Proprietary Products desired to be purchased from such Supplier.
Source: Item 21 — FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (FDD page 54)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Hck Hot Chicken's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must purchase tableware, flatware, utensils, glasses, menus, and other similar articles from a supplier approved in writing by Hck Hot Chicken. These items must also conform to Hck Hot Chicken's specifications and be imprinted with Hck Hot Chicken's marks if specified by the franchisor. This requirement is further detailed in Section 9 of the franchise agreement.
Section 9.2.1 states that franchisees can purchase authorized Non-Proprietary Products from Hck Hot Chicken or its affiliates, suppliers designated or approved in writing by Hck Hot Chicken, or suppliers selected by the franchisee and approved in writing by Hck Hot Chicken. However, if the franchisee is developing one of their first three restaurants, they must purchase certain Non-Proprietary Products that Hck Hot Chicken designates only from Hck Hot Chicken or suppliers it designates, including new equipment for all items that impact food production and the guest experience, and large equipment and small wares.
If a franchisee wants to use a supplier not already approved, Section 9.2.2 requires them to submit a written variance request to Hck Hot Chicken. This request must include the supplier's name and address, information requested by Hck Hot Chicken or required by the HCK Hot Chicken Brand Standards Manual, and the specific Non-Proprietary Products the franchisee wants to purchase from that supplier. This process ensures that all suppliers meet Hck Hot Chicken's standards for quality, reliability, and compliance.