Is a Jersey Mikes franchisee allowed to install vending machines 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 Jersey Mike's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee's ability to install vending machines on the premises is not explicitly addressed. However, the FDD states that a franchisee must obtain written approval from Jersey Mike's before making any material alterations to the franchised restaurant's improvements, equipment, fixtures, or signs. Additionally, the premises must be used solely for operating a Jersey Mike's restaurant consistent with the franchise agreement. Franchisees are required to offer for sale only those food products and services that Jersey Mike's authorizes and cannot use the premises for any purpose other than operating the franchised restaurant in full compliance with the agreement.
Given these stipulations, the installation of vending machines, which could be considered a material alteration or an offering of non-approved products, would likely require prior written approval from Jersey Mike's. The FDD also mentions that Jersey Mike's may provide a list of approved manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors, as well as approved food and non-food products, recipes, fixtures, equipment, signs, stationery, supplies, and services. Any deviation from this list would likely need approval.
Therefore, a franchisee considering installing vending machines would need to seek explicit permission from Jersey Mike's and ensure that any vending machine offerings align with the brand's standards and approved product lists. It is important to note that Jersey Mike's retains the discretion to approve or deny such requests. A prospective franchisee should discuss this specific issue with Jersey Mike's during their due diligence to understand the franchisor's stance on vending machines and any potential conditions for their installation and operation.