Can Marble Slab Creamery disable or terminate its website(s) without liability to the franchisee?
Marble_Slab_Creamery Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
10.3.2 Franchisor has established one or more Internet web sites. Franchisor shall have discretion over the design, content and functionality of such web sites. Franchisor may, from time to time, include one or more interior pages that identifies restaurants operated under the Proprietary Marks, including the Restaurant, by among other things, geographic region, address, telephone number(s), and menu items. Franchisor may permit Franchisee to customize or post certain information to the an interior page, subject to Franchisee's execution of Franchisor's then-current participation agreement, as in effect from time to time, and Franchisee's compliance with the procedures, policies, standards and specifications that Franchisor may establish from time to time. Franchisor may disable or terminate such website(s) without Franchisor having any liability to Franchisee.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 101)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Marble Slab Creamery's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Marble Slab Creamery has the authority to disable or terminate its websites without incurring any liability to the franchisee. This means that Marble Slab Creamery maintains full control over the design, content, and functionality of its websites, including the right to discontinue them.
Marble Slab Creamery may include interior pages on its websites that identify restaurants, potentially including the franchisee's location, address, phone number, and menu items. While franchisees may be allowed to customize or post information on these pages, this is subject to Marble Slab Creamery's approval and adherence to their established procedures and standards.
This clause underscores the importance of franchisees understanding that their online presence, particularly concerning Marble Slab Creamery's official websites, is subject to the franchisor's discretion. Franchisees should be aware that Marble Slab Creamery can change or remove website features without being held responsible for any potential impact on the franchisee's business. Franchisees should inquire about the specific terms and conditions related to website participation and any potential impact on their business if the website is altered or terminated.