Is the Hck Hot Chicken Technology Fee refundable?

According to Hck Hot Chicken's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Technology Fee is not refundable under any circumstances. The franchisee must pay this fee to Hck Hot Chicken for costs incurred for technology management and certain technologies used in the operation of the franchised restaurant.

The Technology Fee is due on the first Wednesday of each month, starting the month after the restaurant opens. The fee for the first partial month of operation will be pro-rated and included with the first payment. Hck Hot Chicken reserves the right to modify or increase the monthly Technology Fee with 30 days' written notice to the franchisee to account for changes, additions, and modifications to required hardware and software, as well as for licensing and maintenance costs.

Franchisees are obligated to maintain, update, or upgrade their hardware or software, and there is no limit on the frequency or cost of these obligations. This means that while the Technology Fee itself is non-refundable, it can be adjusted by Hck Hot Chicken with proper notice, and franchisees should be prepared for ongoing technology-related expenses.