Must a Monicals Pizza franchisee receive pre-approval before construction or remodeling?
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;
Source: Item 16 — RESTRICTIONS ON WHAT THE FRANCHISEE MAY SELL (FDD page 32)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Monicals Pizza's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must obtain approval from the franchisor for preliminary and final construction specifications. Specifically, Monicals Pizza requires franchisees to employ an approved, competent, licensed architect and engineer to prepare preliminary specifications adapted from those furnished by Monicals Pizza. These preliminary specifications are subject to Monicals Pizza's approval.
Furthermore, franchisees must obtain all necessary zoning approvals, permits, and clearances required by state and local laws. Final construction plans, based on the preliminary specifications, must also be submitted to Monicals Pizza for approval. Additionally, a qualified, licensed general contractor approved by Monicals Pizza must be employed to complete the construction.
Failure to adhere to these construction and remodeling guidelines could lead to termination of the Franchise Agreement. This pre-approval process ensures that all Monicals Pizza restaurants maintain a consistent brand image and meet the franchisor's standards for quality and design. This is a fairly standard practice in franchising, as it allows the franchisor to maintain uniformity across all locations.