Who is 'HCK' as referenced in the Hck Hot Chicken Credit Card Authorization?
Hck_Hot_Chicken Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
This Credit Card Authorization (this "Authorization") is entered into as of the date signed below by the undersigned credit card account owner ("Owner"). Owner agrees that Hot Chikn Kitchn LLC ("HCK") may charge (in HCK's sole discretion) the account(s) listed below for payment of fees, interest charges, past due fees or other charges owed to HCK or HCK's approved supplier (as specified below), as follows:
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 54–55)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Hck Hot Chicken's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, "HCK" refers to Hot Chikn Kitchn LLC. This is clarified within the Credit Card Authorization form included as Exhibit I-5 in the FDD. The document specifies that Hot Chikn Kitchn LLC, abbreviated as "HCK", is authorized to charge the credit card account of the owner for various fees and charges. These can include continuing royalties, brand fund contributions, technology fees, training and certification fees, convention fees, inspection fees, and other charges owed to HCK or its approved suppliers.
This authorization allows Hck Hot Chicken to directly collect payments for ongoing fees and any past due amounts via the franchisee's credit card. The franchisee, as the 'Owner' in this agreement, consents to these charges under the terms outlined in the Franchise Agreement. This mechanism ensures that Hck Hot Chicken can efficiently manage and collect the necessary fees to support the franchise system.
The Credit Card Authorization form also stipulates conditions under which Hck Hot Chicken can charge the franchisee's account, such as when fees are past due or when an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) payment is unsuccessful. Additionally, Hck Hot Chicken may impose a late fee of $100 per incident and charge interest on past due amounts. The authorization remains in effect for the duration of the Franchise Agreement, and the franchisee must maintain a minimum available credit of $10,000 in the account.
For a prospective Hck Hot Chicken franchisee, this means they must agree to allow the franchisor to charge their credit card for various fees and potential penalties. It is important to understand all the conditions and potential charges outlined in the Credit Card Authorization form and how they align with the obligations specified in the Franchise Agreement. Franchisees should also be aware of the requirement to maintain a $10,000 minimum credit availability and the implications of failing to do so.