Is a Jersey Mikes franchisee allowed to install unauthorized food racks on the premises?
Jersey_Mikes Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
e and Franchisee shall pay the entire costs of such repairs, maintenance and decorations on demand.
- 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.
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 Jersey Mike's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are not allowed to make material alterations to the franchised restaurant's improvements or make material replacements or alterations to the equipment, fixtures, or signs without prior written approval from Jersey Mike's. This restriction ensures uniformity and adherence to the brand's standards across all locations.
Jersey Mike's may provide franchisees with a list of approved manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors, including approved food and non-food products, recipes, fixtures, equipment, signs, stationery, supplies, and services. This list can be revised at Jersey Mike's sole discretion. Franchisees must use products that conform to the specifications and quality standards established by Jersey Mike's, and they can purchase these products from Jersey Mike's and its affiliates or from approved suppliers.
If a franchisee wants to offer a product or use a food ingredient, material, or supply that is not already approved, they must notify Jersey Mike's and submit samples and information for examination and testing. Jersey Mike's is not obligated to respond to the franchisee's request, and any actions taken are at Jersey Mike's discretion, including the assessment of a fee for evaluating the proposed product or supplier. Jersey Mike's can revoke approval of any product or supplier at any time, with or without cause.
In practice, this means a Jersey Mike's franchisee cannot install unauthorized food racks. They must seek approval for any changes to the restaurant's equipment or layout. This protects the brand's image and ensures consistent quality and standards across all Jersey Mike's locations. Failure to comply with these requirements could lead to a breach of the franchise agreement.