factual

What must the organizational documents of the Jersey Mikes Developer recite regarding the issuance of additional interests and transfers of interest?

Jersey_Mikes Franchise · 2025 FDD

Answer from 2025 FDD Document

Developer acknowledges that the integrity of the JERSEY MIKE'S® brand and the stability of the System and Marks depend on the business qualifications, financial capabilities, honesty and integrity of Franchisor's developers and franchisees. Developer further acknowledges that Franchisor's lack of opportunity to evaluate and approve each potential developer's qualifications and the terms of each proposed Transfer (defined in Section 20) could irreparably damage the System. Conse quently, Developer agrees not to effectuate a Transfer, except as permitted by this Section 8, and in any such case, without Franchisor's prior written consent. Any Transfer or attempted Transfer lacking Franchisor's prior written consent or that otherwise violates the restrictions in this Section 8 shall be ineffective against Franchisor and, without limiting Franchisor's remedies, shall constitute a default under Section 8.

  • 8.2 Conditions to Voluntary Transfer of Rights. Neither Developer nor any Principal (defined in Section 20) shall effectuate an Asset Transfer (defined in Section 20) before the first Franchised Restaurant granted according to this Agreement opens for business. Developer or its Principals only may Transfer its rights under this Development Agreement or in the Developer itself, if it also assigns to the transferee all of its interests under each Franchise Agreement entered into according to this Agreement. Any Asset Transfer shall be subject to Franchisor's prior written consent, in its sole and absolute discretion. Franchisor may condition its consent on compliance with certain requirements, including, without limitation, any of the following (which Developer agrees are reasonable):
  • (a) At the time of Asset Transfer, Developer and its Affiliates is in full compliance with Developer's obligations under this Agreement and all other agreements between Developer and Franchisor and its Affiliates, including payment of all monetary obligations due Franchisor and its Affiliates;
  • (b) The transferee executes Franchisor's then current form of Development Agreement and Franchise Agreement (which shall limit the term of the transferee's Development Agreement and Franchise Agreement to the unexpired term of this Agreement and which shall supersede the terms of this Agreement), Guaranty and Assumption of Obligations, and other collateral agreements Franchisor may then require in connection with new Development Agreements and Franchise Agreements;
  • (c) The transferee provides Franchisor a waiver and release with respect to liability for any financial data, earnings claims, representations and other information Developer or its representatives provided the transferee;
  • (d) Each Principal executes a Guaranty and Assumption of Obligations (Exhibit F-1).
  • (e) The transferee and the transferee's Controlling Principal and/or designated manager satisfactorily complete Franchisor's Area Developer training program, if any;
  • (f) The transferee and the transferee's Principals apply to Franchisor for acceptance as a Jersey Mike's developer, and furnishes to Franchisor the information and references that Franchisor requests to determine transferee's and its Principals' skills, qualifications and economic resources;
  • (g) The transferee and the transferee's Principals demonstrate that it and the Principals have the skills, qualifications, ethics, moral values and economic resources necessary, in Franchisor's judgment, to develop JERSEY MIKE's restaurants, and to fulfill its obligations to Franchisor;
  • (h) If the transferee and/or its Principals are an existing Jersey Mike's franchisee, the transferee and the transferee's Principals must be approved by Franchisor, in its sole and absolute discretion, for growth;
  • (i) Franchisor receives a transfer fee of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) for services related to approving the Transfer of the Development Agreement, and Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) for each Franchise Agreement transferred to the transferee;
  • (j) Developer and its Affiliates and their respective Principals and Guarantors provide to Franchisor an unconditional, general release of all claims it may have against Franchisor, its Affiliates, and their respective officers, directors, shareholders, partners and employees; and
  • (k) Developer complies with the right of first refusal provisions as provided for in this Agreement.

Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 77)

What This Means (2025 FDD)

Based on the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the organizational documents for a Jersey Mikes developer are not explicitly required to recite specific details regarding the issuance of additional interests or transfers of interest. However, the FDD does state that the developer acknowledges that the integrity of the Jersey Mike's brand depends on the business qualifications, financial capabilities, honesty, and integrity of its developers and franchisees. The developer must also get prior written consent from Jersey Mike's before any transfer of interest can occur.

Jersey Mike's emphasizes that its lack of opportunity to evaluate and approve each potential developer's qualifications and the terms of each proposed transfer could irreparably damage the system. Therefore, the developer agrees not to enact a transfer except as permitted and with the prior written consent of Jersey Mike's. Any transfer lacking this consent or violating restrictions will be considered ineffective and a default under the agreement.

Before the first franchised Jersey Mike's restaurant opens, neither the developer nor any principal can effect an asset transfer. After the first restaurant opens, any asset transfer is subject to Jersey Mike's prior written consent, which it may condition on certain requirements. These conditions include the developer being in full compliance with all agreements, the transferee executing the current Development and Franchise Agreements, providing a waiver and release regarding financial data, and each principal executing a Guaranty and Assumption of Obligations. The transferee may also need to complete training, apply for acceptance as a Jersey Mike's developer, and demonstrate the necessary skills and resources. A transfer fee of $5,000 is required for the Development Agreement and each Franchise Agreement transferred. The developer must also comply with right of first refusal provisions.

Disclaimer: This information is extracted from the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document and is provided for research purposes only. It does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with a franchise attorney before making any investment decisions.