Is a Petro Stopping Center franchisee required to obtain fictitious or assumed name registrations?

According to the 2025 Petro Stopping Center Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to obtain fictitious or assumed name registrations if requested or required. This means that if Petro Stopping Center asks a franchisee to register their business name under a different name than their legal name, or if local regulations require it, the franchisee must comply. This requirement ensures that the franchisee operates legally and in accordance with Petro Stopping Center's brand standards.

For a prospective franchisee, this implies an additional administrative step and potential cost. Fictitious name registrations, also known as "doing business as" (DBA) filings, are typically inexpensive but vary by jurisdiction. Franchisees should budget for this potential expense and be prepared to handle the paperwork involved. It is important to note that the obligation to obtain these registrations is not absolute but depends on Petro Stopping Center's request or local legal requirements.

This requirement is fairly standard in franchising, as franchisors often want to ensure consistent branding and legal compliance across all locations. By mandating fictitious name registrations when necessary, Petro Stopping Center maintains control over how its brand is presented and protects its trademarks. Franchisees should clarify with Petro Stopping Center under what specific circumstances a fictitious name registration would be required to better prepare for this aspect of business operations.