Must the Hck Hot Chicken franchisee's construction documents be reviewed by a designated architect?
Hck_Hot_Chicken Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 5.4.2 Franchisee must retain one of Franchisor's designated architects to create Franchisee's preliminary floorplan, at Franchisee's sole expense.
Franchisee may choose to retain one of Franchisor's designated architects or another architect Franchisor approves, to prepare Franchisee's construction documents.
Upon completion of Franchisee's construction documents, if Franchisee has chosen not to use Franchisor's designated architects, Franchisor will require Franchisee to employ Franchisor's designated architect to review and approve the construction documents, at Franchisee's expense.
Franchisor's designer will review the construction documents and provide input on the placement of trade dress elements, general restaurant layout and other input as appropriate.
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 have their construction documents reviewed by a designated architect in certain situations. Specifically, franchisees must retain one of Hck Hot Chicken's designated architects to create a preliminary floorplan at their own expense.
Furthermore, while franchisees have the option to either retain one of Hck Hot Chicken's designated architects or another architect approved by Hck Hot Chicken to prepare their construction documents, there is a stipulation. If a franchisee chooses an architect not designated by Hck Hot Chicken, they are required to employ one of Hck Hot Chicken's designated architects to review and approve the construction documents, at the franchisee's expense.
This review by Hck Hot Chicken's designated architect ensures that the construction documents align with Hck Hot Chicken's standards. The franchisor's designer will review the construction documents and provide input on the placement of trade dress elements, general restaurant layout and other input as appropriate. This process helps maintain uniformity and brand consistency across all Hck Hot Chicken franchise locations.