Is Lees Famous Recipe permitted to modify its operating system?
Lees_Famous_Recipe Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
E'S FAMOUS RECIPE® AREA DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT**
| YOU (DEVELOPER) | |
|---|---|
| DATE OF AGREEMENT |
AREA DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT
| Development Period | Property Control Date (Lease or Purchase Agreement Executed) | # of New Restaurants to be Opened Within Development Period | Cumulative # of Restaurants that Must Be Open and Operating at End of Development Period | Deadline to Sign Franchise Agreement for each Development Period | Expiration of Development Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | |||||
| 2 | |||||
| 3 | |||||
INTRODUCTION
- A. We and our affiliates have developed and own a distinctive format and system relating to the development and operation of Lee's Famous Recipe Restaurants featuring chicken, biscuits and other approved food and beverage items, all of which are prepared, stored and served in accordance with our System, which includes the sale of approved products and services using certain distinctive types of décor, products, equipment, supplies, confidential information, business techniques, methods and procedures, sales promotion programs, and the Marks, as we periodically may modify and further improve/
- B. The parties agree and acknowledge that we may change, improve, further develop, or otherwise modify the System from time to time as we deem appropriate in our discretion. Developer hereby acknowledges and agrees that: (i) the System and our related materials contain significant proprietary and confidential information that makes the System unique as a whole; and (ii) the combined methods, information, procedures, and theories that make up the total System or are contained in the relevant manuals are proprietary and confidential.
- C. The System and Lee's Famous Recipe Restaurants are identified by the "Lee's Famous Recipe®," "Famous Recipe®," and "Lee's: Famous for Chicken®" service marks, and other related trademarks and service marks as we periodically may modify (the "Marks") used in operating the System.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 70–287)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Lees Famous Recipe FDD, Lees Famous Recipe has the right to modify its operating system. The franchise agreement states that Lees Famous Recipe may change, improve, further develop, or otherwise modify the System from time to time as it deems appropriate in its discretion. The 'System' includes site evaluation assistance, equipment selection and layouts, merchandising, advertising, sales and promotional techniques, operations training, and other matters relating to the operation and promotion of such restaurants.
This means that Lees Famous Recipe franchisees must adhere to any changes or modifications that Lees Famous Recipe makes to the operating system. These modifications are designed to enhance the reputation and goodwill with the public of establishments operated in accordance with the System. The franchisee is expected to implement these changes to maintain uniformity and standards across all Lees Famous Recipe locations.
It is important for prospective franchisees to understand that the franchise agreement gives Lees Famous Recipe broad discretion to modify the System. While these changes are intended to benefit the brand, franchisees should be prepared to adapt to new requirements and procedures. Franchisees should maintain open communication with Lees Famous Recipe to understand the reasons behind any modifications and how they will impact their operations.