What is the limited purpose of Itan's review of an Itan franchisee's final construction plans?
Itan Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Your architect must ensure the construction plans: (a) incorporate the required minimum modifications and improvements set forth in Attachment C to this Addendum; (b) satisfy all required standards and specifications in the Manual; and (c) comply with all Laws (including the Americans with
Disabilities Act), building codes, permits and lease requirements and restrictions applicable to the premises. You must obtain our approval of the construction plans within 90 days after the Effective Date of this Addendum. The limited purpose of our review is to verify the construction plans are consistent with our system standards. Once approved, you must, at your sole expense, construct and equip the premises according to the approved construction plans and the specifications in the Manual. You must also purchase (or lease) and install all signage, Technology Systems, equipment, fixtures and other items we require and incorporate all required trade dress. At all times during the construction process, you must maintain the minimum general liability and property damage insurance required by the Manual.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 44–190)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Itan's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the review of a franchisee's construction plans by Itan is specifically for verifying that the plans align with the brand's system standards. The franchisee is responsible for ensuring that the construction plans incorporate minimum modifications and improvements, meet standards and specifications in the manual, and comply with all applicable laws, building codes, permits, and lease requirements. The franchisee must obtain Itan's approval of the construction plans within 90 days of the addendum's effective date.
This means that while Itan reviews the plans, the ultimate responsibility for ensuring the construction adheres to all legal and regulatory requirements rests with the franchisee and their chosen architect. Itan's approval is focused on maintaining brand consistency rather than ensuring full legal compliance.
After the construction plans are approved, the franchisee must construct and equip the premises at their own expense, following the approved plans and the specifications outlined in the manual. This includes purchasing and installing all required signage, technology systems, equipment, fixtures, and incorporating the required trade dress. Franchisees must also maintain minimum general liability and property damage insurance during the construction process as required by the manual.
Itan will not issue a Certificate of Conversion Completion until the premises meet all required standards and specifications, the construction and layout are approved, all required items are installed, insurance and licenses are obtained, the Managing Owner and general managers complete the training program, all due amounts are paid, and all other obligations under the addendum are met.