Are Itan franchisees restricted from speaking openly about their experiences with the Itan franchise?
Itan Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
In the last 3 fiscal years, some franchisees have signed confidentiality agreements with us. In some instances, current and former franchisees sign provisions restricting their ability to speak openly about their experience with us. You may wish to speak with current and former franchisees, but be aware that not all such franchisees will be able to communicate with you.
Source: Item 20 — OUTLETS AND FRANCHISEE INFORMATION (FDD pages 42–43)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Itan's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, some franchisees have signed confidentiality agreements that may restrict their ability to speak openly about their experiences with the company. This means that a prospective Itan franchisee may not be able to get completely candid feedback from all current and former franchisees, as some are legally bound by these agreements.
It is important for potential franchisees to be aware of these restrictions when conducting their due diligence. While Itan provides a list of current and former franchisees, it's possible that some individuals on that list will be unable to share their full experiences due to confidentiality agreements. This is a fairly common practice in franchising, as franchisors often seek to protect their brand reputation and trade secrets.
Prospective franchisees should consider asking Itan directly about the scope and frequency of these confidentiality agreements. Understanding how many franchisees are bound by such agreements and what specific topics they are restricted from discussing can help in assessing the overall transparency of the franchise system. While Itan is not obligated to disclose the specific terms of these agreements, understanding the general practice can be valuable.