Does the Mrcool FDD specify any requirements for the equipment used in the Development Centers?
Mrcool Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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 Mrcool's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must adhere to specific requirements regarding the equipment used in their Center Facilities. Before setting up a Center Facility, franchisees need to submit detailed plans and specifications to Mrcool for approval. These plans, prepared by design consultants approved by Mrcool at the franchisee's expense, must comply with Mrcool's generalized plans, specifications, and the Operations Manual. Mrcool retains the right to disapprove any plans that do not align with their prototype.
During the construction and operation of the franchised business, franchisees are required to exclusively use construction and decorating materials, furniture, fixtures, equipment, and signs that Mrcool has approved in the Operations Manual. These items must meet Mrcool's standards for appearance, function, and performance. Franchisees can only purchase these approved items from suppliers designated by Mrcool, which may include Mrcool and its affiliates.
These stipulations ensure uniformity and quality across all Mrcool Centers, maintaining the brand's standards. For a prospective franchisee, this means they will have limited autonomy in choosing equipment and materials, as they must adhere to Mrcool's approved list and suppliers. While this may restrict choice, it also provides a level of assurance that the selected equipment meets Mrcool's standards for performance and durability.