Is a Jersey Mikes franchisee allowed to install newspaper racks on the premises?
Jersey_Mikes Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
13.3 Franchisee shall make no material alterations to the improvements of the Franchised Restaurant nor shall Franchisee make materials replacement of or alterations to the equipment, 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.
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 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must obtain prior written approval from Jersey Mikes for any material alterations to the franchised restaurant's improvements, equipment, fixtures, or signs. This requirement suggests that installing newspaper racks, which would likely be considered an alteration or addition to the premises, would necessitate approval from Jersey Mikes.
Furthermore, the FDD stipulates that the premises must be used solely for operating a Jersey Mikes restaurant in accordance with the franchise agreement. Franchisees are only allowed to sell authorized food products and services and cannot use the premises for any other purpose. This clause implies that introducing newspaper racks for the sale of newspapers or other non-approved items would be a breach of the agreement unless specifically authorized by Jersey Mikes.
Jersey Mikes also maintains a list of approved manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors for various items, including fixtures and supplies. Franchisees are generally required to purchase items that meet Jersey Mikes' specifications from approved sources. Therefore, even if newspaper racks were permitted, they would likely need to conform to the franchisor's standards and be sourced from an approved supplier. A prospective franchisee should confirm with Jersey Mikes whether newspaper racks are permissible and, if so, what specific requirements or approvals are necessary.