Does Monicals Pizza charge franchisees for the specifications for the development of a Monical's Restaurant?
Monicals_Pizza Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisor shall make available to Franchisee, at no charge to Franchisee, specifications for the development of a Monical's Restaurant, including specifications for the exterior and interior design and layout, fixtures, equipment, décor and signs. Such specifications are subject to alteration as Franchisor deems necessary. Franchisee shall cause the Approved Location to be developed, equipped and improved in accordance with such plans and specifications and shall begin operating the Franchised Restaurant within three hundred sixty-five (365) days after the Effective Date. In connection with the development of the Approved Location, Franchisee shall:
5.4.1 employ an approved competent licensed architect and engineer to prepare, for Franchisor's approval, preliminary specifications for improvement of the Approved Location adapted from the specifications furnished by Franchisor;
5.4.2 obtain all zoning approvals, permits and clearances which may be required by state and local laws, ordinances or regulations, and submit to Franchisor, for Franchisor's approval, final plans for construction based upon the preliminary specifications;
5.4.3 obtain all building, utility, sign, health, and business permits and licenses, and any other permits and licenses required for the development and operation of the Franchised Restaurant and certify in writing and provide evidence to Franchisor that all such permits and certifications have been obtained;
5.4.4 employ a qualified, licensed general contractor approved by Franchisor to complete construction of all required improvements to the Approved Location;
5.4.5 purchase all supplies or inventory, including non-perishable food or beverage inventory, necessary for the operation of the Franchised Restaurant;
5.4.6 purchase and install all point-of-sale and computer equipment, signs, furniture, fixtures and any other equipment required for the operation of the Franchised Restaurant; and
5.4.7 establish broadband or high-speed Internet access (where available) and obtain at least one (1) telephone number and one (1) facsimile number solely dedicated to the Franchised Restaurant.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 46–257)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Monicals Pizza's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Monicals Pizza provides franchisees with the specifications for developing a Monical's Restaurant at no charge. These specifications include the exterior and interior design and layout, fixtures, equipment, décor, and signs. However, the document states that these specifications are subject to change as Monicals Pizza deems necessary.
While Monicals Pizza provides the initial specifications, the franchisee is responsible for certain costs related to adapting and implementing those specifications. The franchisee must employ an approved architect and engineer to prepare preliminary specifications for the location, based on Monicals Pizza's specifications, for the franchisor's approval. The franchisee is also responsible for obtaining all necessary zoning approvals, permits, and clearances required by local laws and submitting final construction plans to Monicals Pizza for approval.
Furthermore, the franchisee is responsible for employing a qualified, licensed general contractor approved by Monicals Pizza to complete the construction. The franchisee must also purchase all necessary supplies, inventory, point-of-sale systems, computer equipment, signs, furniture, and fixtures. Additionally, the franchisee needs to establish broadband internet access and obtain dedicated telephone and fax lines for the restaurant. Therefore, while the initial specifications are provided without charge, the franchisee bears the costs of adapting the specifications to the specific location and ensuring the restaurant meets all requirements for operation.