Does the Mrcool FDD include a pre-opening checklist for franchisees?
Mrcool Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisor's generalized prototype plans and specifications. Prior to constructing, equipping and building out Franchisee's Center Facility and Franchisee's Center Location, Franchisee shall:
- (1) Prepare and submit to Franchisor for approval, which approval, specific plans and specifications prepared by the design consultants designated or approved by Franchisor and hired by Franchisee, at Franchisee's sole expense, whereby such plans and specifications are prepared specifically for Franchisee's Center Facility and Franchisee's Center Location and shall reflect and comply with Franchisor's generalized plans and specifications and otherwise satisfy the specifications and requirements set forth in the Operations Manual. If Franchisor determines, in Franchisor's Reasonable Business Judgment, that any plans are not consistent with Franchisor's prototype plans and specifications, Franchisor may prohibit implementation of the plans and disapprove the plans;
- (2) Obtain all required building, utility, sign, health, sanitation, and business permits and licenses, and any other required permits and licenses;
- (3) Construct all required improvements to Franchisee's Center Location, purchase and install all required furniture, fixtures and equipment and decorate the premises in compliance with the plans and specifications approved in writing by Franchisor and all applicable ordinances, building codes, permit requirements and lease or deed requirements and restrictions;
- (4) Provide Franchisor timely written reports regarding the process of construction and remodeling in compliance with Franchisor's then current specifications; and
- (5) Establish filing, accounting, and inventory control systems, conforming to the requirements prescribed by Franchisor, if any.
At all times, in the construction and operation of the Franchised Business, Franchisee shall exclusively install, use, attach, maintain, replenish and replace only those types of construction and decorating materials, furniture, fixtures, equipment, and signs that Franchisor has approved or designated in the Operations Manual for MRCOOL Centers as meeting Franchisor's specifications and standards for appearance, function and performance. Franchisee only may purchase approved or designated types of construction and decorating materials, fixtures, equipment, furniture and signs from any supplier approved or designated by Franchisor, which may include Franchisor and Franchisor's affiliates.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 55–263)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Mrcool FDD, while a specific pre-opening checklist isn't explicitly provided, the document outlines several steps a franchisee must take before opening a Mrcool Center.
The FDD states that franchisees must prepare and submit plans and specifications for their Center Facility and Location to Mrcool for approval. These plans must be prepared by design consultants designated or approved by Mrcool and must comply with Mrcool's generalized plans and specifications, as well as the requirements in the Operations Manual. Mrcool retains the right to prohibit implementation and disapprove plans that are inconsistent with their prototype.
Additionally, franchisees are responsible for obtaining all necessary building, utility, sign, health, sanitation, and business permits and licenses. They must also construct all required improvements, purchase and install furniture, fixtures, and equipment, and decorate the premises according to the approved plans and specifications, as well as all applicable ordinances, building codes, permit requirements, and lease or deed restrictions. Franchisees must also provide timely written reports to Mrcool regarding the construction and remodeling process. Finally, franchisees need to establish filing, accounting, and inventory control systems that conform to Mrcool's requirements, if any.
These requirements, while not presented as a single checklist, function similarly by providing a structured set of tasks that Mrcool franchisees must complete prior to opening their centers. The Mrcool Operations Manual is referenced as containing specifications and standards for appearance, function, and performance, and franchisees must exclusively use approved or designated materials, furniture, fixtures, equipment, and signs. These items can only be purchased from suppliers approved or designated by Mrcool, which may include Mrcool and its affiliates.