Is a Jersey Mikes franchisee allowed to install gum machines on the premises?
Jersey_Mikes Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
, fixtures, or signs of the Franchised Restaurant without the prior written approval by Franchisor.
- 13.4 The Premises shall be used solely for the purpose of operating a JERS EY MIKE'S Franchised Restaurant consistent with this Agreement. Franchisee agrees that it will offer for sale and sell at the Franchised Restaurant all types of sandwiches and other categories of food products and services that Franchisor from time to time authorizes and that it will not offer for sale or sell at the Franchised Restaurant any other c ategory of products or use such Premises for any purpose other than the operation of the Franchised Restaurant in full compliance with this Agreement.
- 13.5 Franchisor may provide to Franchisee, a list of approved manufacturers, suppliers and distributors and approved food and non-food products, recipes, fixtures, equipment, signs, stationery, supplies and services which Franchisor has approved to be carried or used in JERSEY MIKE'S System.
Franchisor may revise the approved list of manufacturers, suppliers and distributors and the approved list of food and non-food products, recipes, fixtures, equipment, signs, stationery, supplies and other materials from time to time in its sole discretion. Such approved list shall be submitted to Franchisee as Franchisor deems advisable.
- 13.6 All sandwiches, menu items, breads, meats, cheeses, ingredients, toppings, spice mixes and other food and beverage products and materials, container, packaging materials, other paper and plastic products, plates, cups, ute nsils, menus, uniforms, forms, cleaning and sa nitation materials and othe r materials and supplies used in the operation of the Franchised Restaurant shall conform to the specifications and quality standards established by Franchisor from time to time. Franchisee may purchase such products which meet Franchisor's specifications and quality standards from Franchisor and its Affiliates if they offer such products, or fr om suppliers approved by Franchisor as meeting its criteria for JERSEY MIKE'S suppliers.
Source: Item 16 — RESTRICTIONS ON WHAT THE FRANCHISEE MAY SELL (FDD pages 56–57)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Jersey Mikes FDD, franchisees must adhere to strict guidelines regarding the operation and appearance of their restaurants, which impacts the ability to install gum machines. The franchisee is required to use the premises solely for operating a Jersey Mike's restaurant, offering only authorized food products and services. Any deviation from this, such as installing gum machines, would require prior written approval from Jersey Mikes.
Jersey Mikes maintains control over all aspects of the restaurant's offerings and appearance. Franchisees must adhere to system standards related to the premises' cleanliness, sanitation, function, and appearance, including equipment, fixtures, and decor. This extends to the products offered; franchisees must obtain approval before selling any product not already approved by Jersey Mikes. This approval process involves submitting samples and information for examination, with Jersey Mikes having the discretion to assess a fee for the evaluation.
Therefore, while not explicitly prohibited, installing gum machines would necessitate Jersey Mikes's explicit approval. A franchisee would need to seek permission and potentially undergo a review process, with no guarantee of approval. Jersey Mikes also retains the right to revoke approval of any product at any time, adding further uncertainty. This level of control is typical in franchising, ensuring brand consistency and quality across all locations.