What is included in the definition of 'Proprietary Goods' that Moes Southwest Grill franchisees must purchase?
Moes_Southwest_Grill Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must purchase all of your requirements of Proprietary Ingredients, Proprietary Products, and proprietary uniforms, signs, menu boards, smallwares, materials, supplies, paper goods, equipment, and packaging (collectively, the "Proprietary Goods") from us, our affiliates, or our designated Approved Suppliers. The Proprietary Goods include printed paper, paper products, and plastic products bearing our Proprietary Marks (including, for example, dishes, containers, cartons, bags, napkins, and packaging supplies). We may require you to purchase certain trademarked product lines consisting of t-shirts, apparel, mugs and other merchandise and products bearing the Proprietary Marks ("Trademarked Product Lines") from us, our affiliates, or our designated Approved Suppliers. In addition, if we conduct test marketing to determine consumer trends and the salability of new food or non-food products and services, you may be required to purchase a reasonable quantity of test products we specify from designated Approved Suppliers.
Source: Item 8 — Restrictions on Sources of Products and Services (FDD pages 47–51)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Moes Southwest Grill's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to purchase 'Proprietary Goods' from Moes Southwest Grill, its affiliates, or designated approved suppliers. These Proprietary Goods encompass a range of items critical to maintaining brand consistency and quality.
The definition of Proprietary Goods includes Proprietary Ingredients, Proprietary Products, proprietary uniforms, signs, menu boards, smallwares, materials, supplies, paper goods, equipment, and packaging. This broad category ensures that key elements of the Moes Southwest Grill brand, from the food ingredients to the restaurant's visual presentation, adhere to the franchisor's standards.
Furthermore, the Proprietary Goods include printed paper, paper products, and plastic products that bear Moes Southwest Grill's Proprietary Marks, such as dishes, containers, cartons, bags, napkins, and packaging supplies. Moes Southwest Grill may also require franchisees to purchase Trademarked Product Lines, including t-shirts, apparel, mugs, and other merchandise bearing the Proprietary Marks, from approved sources. This requirement helps to reinforce brand recognition and create a consistent customer experience across all franchise locations.