What are the Hck Hot Chicken franchisee's obligations regarding signs and awnings at the premises?
Hck_Hot_Chicken Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Subject to Section 11.6 of this Agreement, the Franchised Restaurant shall be named "HCK Hot Chicken" with only such additional prefix or suffix as may be required by Franchisor from time to time.
Franchisee shall use and display such of Franchisor's trade dress, Marks, and such signs, advertising, and slogans only as Franchisor may from time to time prescribe or approve.
Upon expiration or sooner termination of this Agreement, Franchisor may, if Franchisee does not do so, execute in Franchisee's name and on Franchisee's behalf, any and all documents necessary in Franchisor's judgment to end and cause the discontinuance of Franchisee's use of the trade dress and Marks and Franchisor is hereby irrevocably appointed and designated as Franchisee's attorney-in-fact so to do.
Franchisee shall not imprint or authorize any person to imprint any of the Mar
Source: Item 21 — FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (FDD page 54)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Hck Hot Chicken FDD, franchisees must adhere to specific guidelines regarding signs. The franchisee is required to use and display Hck Hot Chicken's trade dress, marks, signs, advertising, and slogans only as prescribed or approved by Hck Hot Chicken. This ensures brand consistency across all franchise locations. Upon termination or expiration of the franchise agreement, the franchisee must discontinue the use of Hck Hot Chicken’s trade dress and marks. If the franchisee fails to do so, Hck Hot Chicken is authorized to execute any necessary documents to end the franchisee's use of these items.
Moreover, the franchisee is obligated to make cosmetic changes to the franchised restaurant so that it no longer resembles Hck Hot Chicken's proprietary designs. This includes removing all materials that identify the premises as a Hck Hot Chicken restaurant, as well as distinctive cosmetic features, finishes, soffits, interior wall coverings and colors, exterior finishes and colors, and signage. These changes must be made at the franchisee's own cost, ensuring that the location no longer infringes on Hck Hot Chicken's brand identity after the franchise agreement ends.
These stipulations are typical in franchising, as they protect the franchisor's brand and ensure uniformity across all locations while preventing unauthorized use of the brand after a franchise agreement terminates. Prospective franchisees should carefully review these requirements to understand their obligations for maintaining and altering the restaurant's appearance, both during the franchise term and upon its conclusion.