Must a Moes Southwest Grill franchisee's architect be accepted in writing by the franchisor?
Moes_Southwest_Grill Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
For any proposed site, we may require you to obtain a site selection analysis from an Approved Supplier, which may include an analysis of such factors as traffic patterns, demographics and competitors within the market. As you design and construct your Restaurant, you must hire an architect that we accept in writing to prepare your plans and make any necessary changes to our standard layout and specifications. In addition, you must hire a licensed and insured general contractor that we accept to complete the build-out of your Restaurant. Our acceptance of your architect or general contractor will not in any way be our endorsement of your architect or general contractor or render us liable for your architect's or general contractor's performance. When you
refresh or remodel your Restaurant, we may require you to obtain, at your expense, a site survey and design solution from us, our affiliates, or a designated vendor.
Source: Item 8 — Restrictions on Sources of Products and Services (FDD pages 47–51)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Moe's Southwest Grill's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee must hire an architect that Moe's Southwest Grill accepts in writing. This architect is responsible for preparing the restaurant's plans and making any necessary changes to the franchisor's standard layout and specifications. Additionally, the franchisee must also hire a licensed and insured general contractor that Moe's Southwest Grill accepts to complete the build-out of the restaurant.
This requirement ensures that the restaurant's design and construction align with Moe's Southwest Grill's brand standards and operational requirements. However, the FDD clarifies that Moe's Southwest Grill's acceptance of the architect or general contractor does not constitute an endorsement or render them liable for their performance. The franchisee remains responsible for the architect's and general contractor's work.
In the event of a restaurant refresh or remodel, Moe's Southwest Grill may require the franchisee to obtain a site survey and design solution from them, their affiliates, or a designated vendor, at the franchisee's expense. This provision allows Moe's Southwest Grill to maintain control over the brand's image and ensure consistency across all locations, even during renovations.