Is a Jersey Mikes franchisee allowed to install rides 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.
Source: Item 16 — RESTRICTIONS ON WHAT THE FRANCHISEE MAY SELL (FDD pages 56–57)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
Based on the 2025 Jersey Mikes Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are restricted in making alterations to the restaurant premises. According to the agreement, a 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." This indicates that any significant changes, such as installing rides, would require explicit permission from Jersey Mikes.
Furthermore, the FDD states, "The Premises shall be used solely for the purpose of operating a JERSEY MIKE'S Franchised Restaurant consistent with this Agreement." This clause restricts the use of the premises to the operation of a Jersey Mikes restaurant, implying that introducing activities like amusement rides, which fall outside the scope of a restaurant business, would be a breach of the agreement. The franchisee is obligated to offer and sell only authorized food products and services, and not use the premises for any other purpose.
In practical terms, a Jersey Mikes franchisee is expected to maintain the established brand standards and operational model. Introducing rides or other non-approved elements could not only violate the franchise agreement but also potentially dilute the brand image and customer experience that Jersey Mikes aims to provide. Therefore, installing rides on the premises is highly unlikely to be permitted without specific authorization, which would likely be withheld unless it aligns with Jersey Mikes's strategic vision.