Is the Development Plan provided by Petro Stopping Center ready to use as is, or does it require adaptation?
Petro_Stopping_Center Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Before you open your Petro Center, we or our designee will:
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- Provide one set of Development Plans, which must be adapted for your site by a licensed architect that you retain (Franchise Agreement, Section 5.1).
We may require you to hire your own architect to review, modify, and approve the Development Plans. We may also require you to utilize such software or other electronic tools as we designate in connection with the Development Plans. You will be solely responsible for the costs of the foregoing.
After you sign a Franchise Agreement, you must complete development of the Site and open the Petro Center for business. Among other things, you must: prepare and submit to Petro Franchise a site survey and layout showing any modifications to comply with Petro Franchise's Development Plans; obtain all required zoning changes, permits and licenses; purchase or lease equipment, fixtures, furniture and signs; complete the construction and/or remodeling of the Site; install equipment, furniture, fixture and signs; obtain all customary contractors' sworn statements and partial and final waivers of lien for construction, remodeling, decorating and installation services; and cause the Site to be in full compliance with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and all other laws applicable to aboveground and underground storage facilities and other applicable environmental matters.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 44–53)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Petro Stopping Center's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Development Plans provided by Petro Stopping Center are not ready to use as is and must be adapted for the franchisee's specific site. Petro Stopping Center provides one set of Development Plans, but these plans must be adapted for the franchisee's site by a licensed architect that the franchisee retains. The franchisee is responsible for the costs associated with hiring an architect to review and modify the Development Plans. Petro Stopping Center may also require the franchisee to use specific software or electronic tools in connection with the Development Plans.
Before opening a Petro Stopping Center, franchisees must prepare and submit a site survey and layout to Petro Franchise showing any modifications needed to comply with Petro Stopping Center's Development Plans. Franchisees are also responsible for obtaining all necessary zoning changes, permits, and licenses. They must purchase or lease equipment, fixtures, furniture, and signs, and complete the construction or remodeling of the site. Additionally, franchisees must ensure the site complies with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and all other applicable environmental laws.
These requirements mean that prospective Petro Stopping Center franchisees should factor in the time and expense of adapting the Development Plans to their specific site. They will need to budget for architectural services, permits, and potential construction or remodeling costs. Franchisees should also be prepared to work closely with Petro Stopping Center to ensure their site meets all necessary requirements and standards. The FDD also states that Petro Stopping Center provides specifications and names of approved suppliers with respect to equipment, signs, fixtures and opening inventory.