Is the Marble Slab Creamery franchisee responsible for preparing the restaurant for pre-opening training?
Marble_Slab_Creamery Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 5.12 Franchisee shall notify Franchisor, at least 60 days in advance, of the projected date by which all construction or remodeling shall be completed in accordance with Franchisor's specifications and all final health, fire, occupancy and other permits required for the occupancy and operation of the Restaurant shall have been obtained and Franchisee shall have fully prepared the Restaurant for pre-opening training in accordance with Franchisor's policies and specifications.
Franchisor will then contact Franchisee to establish a scheduled opening date (the "Scheduled Opening Date"), which shall be subject to Franchisor's scheduling needs and availability of personnel, and which will be set at least 30 days in advance (unless otherwise mutually agreed).
- 5.12.1 During the period between 60 and 30 days preceding the Scheduled Opening Date, Franchisee shall prepare and submit a proposed store opening and staffing plan in the form and manner required in the Manuals ("Opening Plan"), and shall complete by not later than 30 days prior to the Scheduled Opening Date such final modifications to such plan as Franchisor may require after consultation with Franchisee. Not later than 15 days prior to the Scheduled Opening Date, Franchisee shall have hired and payroll shall have commenced for the Operating Partner, Manager and all assistant managers and shift leaders of the Restaurant as contemplated by the final Opening Plan.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 101)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Marble Slab Creamery's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee is indeed responsible for preparing the restaurant for pre-opening training. Specifically, the franchisee must complete all construction or remodeling according to Marble Slab Creamery's specifications and obtain all necessary permits for occupancy and operation.
To ensure readiness, the franchisee must notify Marble Slab Creamery at least 60 days in advance of the projected completion date. This notification allows Marble Slab Creamery to schedule the opening date, taking into account their personnel's availability. The scheduled opening date will be set at least 30 days in advance, unless both parties agree otherwise.
Between 60 and 30 days before the scheduled opening, the franchisee is required to create and submit a proposed store opening and staffing plan, following the guidelines in the Marble Slab Creamery manuals. The franchisee must finalize this plan no later than 30 days before the opening date, incorporating any modifications requested by Marble Slab Creamery after consultation. Furthermore, at least 15 days before the scheduled opening, the franchisee must have hired and started payroll for the operating partner, manager, assistant managers, and shift leaders as outlined in the final opening plan.