What is the definition of a 'Refresh' for a Moes Southwest Grill franchise, and when is it required?
Moes_Southwest_Grill Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- A.
Refresh.
Within six months after the fifth and the fifteenth anniversaries of the Opening Date, you must, at your sole expense and in accordance with our then-current Standards and directives, refresh, refurbish, and renovate the Franchised Business to meet our then-current operational and branding Standards (a "Refresh").
Generally, a Refresh will require you to add, update, and/or replace components of the Franchised Business (including merchandising elements, graphics, paint or wall coverings, menu boards, interior and exterior signage, kitchen equipment, drive-thru equipment, Computer System components, and other furniture, fixtures, equipment, and décor that we may specify in our sole discretion) to meet our then-current Standards without significantly altering your Franchised Business' layout or structure.
Source: Item 22 — Contracts (FDD page 92)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Moe's Southwest Grill's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a 'Refresh' is defined as the act of refreshing, refurbishing, and renovating the franchised business to meet the brand's current operational and branding standards. This doesn't involve significantly altering the layout or structure of the restaurant. A Refresh generally includes adding, updating, and/or replacing components of the franchised business. These components include merchandising elements, graphics, paint or wall coverings, menu boards, interior and exterior signage, kitchen equipment, drive-thru equipment, computer system components, and other furniture, fixtures, equipment, and décor. The specific items to be refreshed are determined at Moe's Southwest Grill's sole discretion.
The FDD states that franchisees are required to complete a Refresh within six months after both the fifth and fifteenth anniversaries of the franchise's opening date. The franchisee bears the sole expense of the Refresh and must adhere to Moe's Southwest Grill's then-current standards and directives.
Prospective franchisees should be aware that these Refresh requirements can represent a significant capital investment. It is important to factor these costs into the overall financial planning for the franchise. While the Refresh is less extensive than a Remodel, it still requires franchisees to maintain the brand's image and standards, which can involve substantial expenditures on new equipment, décor, and technology upgrades. Franchisees should inquire about the typical cost and scope of a Refresh to better prepare for these mandatory updates.