For Hck Hot Chicken, are there any circumstances where verbal agreements are binding?
Hck_Hot_Chicken Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
This Development Agreement and the HCK Hot Chicken Brand Standards Manual contain all the terms and conditions agreed upon by the parties with reference to the subject matter of this Development Agreement.
No other agreements concerning the subject matter of this Development Agreement, oral or otherwise, shall be deemed to exist or to bind any of the parties.
All prior or contemporaneous agreements, understandings and representations relating to the subject matter of this Development Agreement, are merged and are expressly and superseded by this Development Agreement, except such representations as are made in the franchise disclosure document delivered to Area Developer and any representations made by Area Developer in acquiring this Development Agreement.
Nothing in this Development Agreement or any related agreement is intended to disclaim the representations made by Franchisor in the franchise disclosure document delivered to Area Developer.
No officer or employee or agent of Franchisor has any authority to make any representation or promise not contained in this Development Agreement or in the franchise disclosure document delivered to Area Developer, and Area
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 55–245)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Hck Hot Chicken FDD, the Area Development Agreement contains all the terms and conditions agreed upon by both parties. No other agreements concerning the subject matter of the Development Agreement, whether oral or otherwise, shall be deemed to exist or bind any of the parties. All prior or contemporaneous agreements, understandings, and representations relating to the subject matter of the Development Agreement are merged and superseded by the Development Agreement.
However, there are exceptions to this rule. Representations made in the franchise disclosure document delivered to the Area Developer and any representations made by the Area Developer in acquiring the Development Agreement are exceptions. The FDD specifies that no officer, employee, or agent of Hck Hot Chicken has the authority to make any representation or promise not contained in the Development Agreement or in the franchise disclosure document delivered to the Area Developer.
This clause is typical in franchise agreements to ensure that all binding terms are written and to prevent misunderstandings based on verbal promises. Prospective Hck Hot Chicken franchisees should be aware that only the terms written in the Development Agreement and the franchise disclosure document are binding. It is important to review all documents carefully and seek clarification on any points of concern before signing.