What happens if a Petro Stopping Center franchisee's copy of the manuals is lost or destroyed?

According to the 2025 Petro Stopping Center Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee's copy of the manuals is lost, destroyed, or significantly damaged, the franchisee must obtain a replacement copy. The franchisee will be charged the then-applicable charge for the replacement.

The manuals contain the Petro System Standards that Petro Stopping Center prescribes for the operation of a Petro Center. They also include information about the franchisee's obligations under the franchise agreement and related agreements. Franchisees must follow the standards, specifications, and operating procedures that Petro Stopping Center establishes and revises periodically for the Petro System, as described in the manuals.

Petro Stopping Center may provide the manuals in electronic form and by any means of e-commerce they designate. Franchisees must keep their copy of the manuals (in hard copy or electronic form) current and in a secure location and by secure means at the Petro Center. In the event of a dispute relating to its contents, the master copy of the manuals that Petro Stopping Center maintains at its principal office (or if via e-commerce, on their Computer System) will be controlling. Franchisees may not at any time copy, duplicate, record, or otherwise reproduce any part of the manuals.

It is common practice in franchising for franchisors to require franchisees to maintain and protect the confidentiality of their operations manuals. The operations manual is often considered a trade secret and contains proprietary information that is essential to the success of the franchise system. Franchisees are typically responsible for the cost of replacing lost or damaged manuals.