When is the first Refresh required for a Moes Southwest Grill franchise after the Opening Date?
Moes_Southwest_Grill Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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 franchisee is required to complete an initial Refresh within six months after the fifth anniversary of their Opening Date. A second Refresh is required within six months after the fifteenth anniversary of the Opening Date. These Refreshes are at the franchisee's sole expense and must align with Moe's Southwest Grill's then-current operational and branding standards.
Generally, a Refresh involves updates and replacements to components of the franchised business. This includes 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 purpose of the Refresh is to meet Moe's Southwest Grill's current standards without significantly altering the layout or structure of the franchise location.
Prior to starting a Refresh, Moe's Southwest Grill, its affiliate, or its designee will inspect the franchised business either in person or virtually. They will then provide a site survey and/or design plan that complies with the brand's current standards. Moe's Southwest Grill may require the franchisee to pay a fee for the creation of the site survey and/or design plan, which may be increased each calendar year by no more than the Allowed Adjustment. All plans, designs, furniture, fixtures, equipment, and décor related to the Refresh must be approved in writing by Moe's Southwest Grill and conform to their current standards and applicable laws. If required, these items must be purchased from approved suppliers designated or approved in writing by Moe's Southwest Grill.
Prospective franchisees should consider the costs associated with these mandatory Refreshes, as they may require a significant capital investment. Franchisees are obligated to incur these capital expenditures to comply with Moe's Southwest Grill's requirements, even if the expenditures cannot be amortized over the remaining term of the franchise agreement.