What are the specific standards and specifications for computer equipment that Monicals Pizza requires franchisees to purchase, as mentioned in Item 8, and how does this relate to the franchisor's assistance with computer systems, as potentially outlined in Item 11?
Monicals_Pizza Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must purchase your furniture, fixtures, equipment, including computer equipment, inventory and signage as specified in the Monical's Pizza Confidential Operations Manual ("Confidential Operations Manual"). These specifications include standards and specifications for appearance, quality, price, performance and functionality. These standards and specifications are based on our experience in operating businesses of the type we are franchising and through research and testing in our businesses. We may communicate our standards and specifications directly to suppliers who wish to supply you with furniture, fixtures, equipment, inventory and signage under specifications. We communicate our standards and specifications to you when we evaluate your proposed location for the franchised restaurant, during training, before you conduct your grand opening advertising, during on-site opening assistance, during periodic visits to your franchise location and through the Confidential Operations Manual (including periodic bulletins). We will periodically issue new standards and specifications (if any) through written notices. While we have created standards and specifications for the development of your franchised restaurant, we have not designated any vendors and suppliers. No officer of the franchisor has any ownership or other interest in any supplier.
If you would like to use any goods or services in establishing and operating the franchised restaurant that we have not approved (for goods and services that must meet our standards, specifications or that require supplier approval), you must first send us sufficient information, specifications and samples for us to determine whether the goods or services comply with our standards and specifications or the supplier meets our approved supplier criteria. You must pay our expenses to evaluate goods, services or suppliers. We will decide within a reasonable time (usually 30 days) after receiving the required information whether you may purchase or lease the goods or services or use a particular supplier. Our criteria for approving or revoking approval of suppliers includes: the supplier's ability to provide sufficient quantity of goods; quality of goods or services at competitive prices; production and delivery capability; and dependability and general reputation.
Periodically, we may review our approval of any services, goods or suppliers. We will notify you in writing if we revoke our approval of any services, goods or suppliers, and you must immediately stop purchasing disapproved services or goods or must immediately stop purchasing from a disapproved supplier.
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Monicals Pizza's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must purchase computer equipment that adheres to the standards and specifications outlined in the Monical's Pizza Confidential Operations Manual. These specifications cover appearance, quality, price, performance, and functionality, and are based on Monicals Pizza's experience, research, and testing. Monicals Pizza communicates these standards during location evaluation, training, before the grand opening, during on-site assistance, periodic visits, and through the Confidential Operations Manual, issuing updates via written notices.
Item 11 indicates that Monicals Pizza requires franchisees to purchase, update, maintain, and use designated hardware and software programs. Currently, franchisees are required to comply with FoodTec specifications for compatible hardware. The estimated cost for both hardware and software ranges from $15,000 to $30,000. Monicals Pizza may periodically require franchisees to update or upgrade their computer hardware and software as deemed necessary, and can modify specifications for computer and point-of-sale systems without limitation.
Furthermore, Monicals Pizza retains the right to independently access all information collected by the franchisee at any time without prior notification. Franchisees are also obligated to submit copies of state sales tax returns and other records as reasonably requested by Monicals Pizza or specified in the Confidential Operations Manual. Monicals Pizza has full access to the franchisee's computer and point-of-sale data and systems, including store operational information, to verify compliance with the Franchise Agreement.