Can the Petro Stopping Center Petro System Standards be modified and supplemented during the Term?
Petro_Stopping_Center Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
anges in Petro System Standards. You agree to keep your 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 we maintain at our principal office (or if via e-commerce, on our Computer System) will be controlling. You may not at any time copy, duplicate, record or otherwise reproduce any part of the Manuals. If your copy of the Manuals is lost, destroyed or significantly damaged, you agree to obtain a replacement copy at our then applicable charge.
7.2 Compliance with Petro® System Standards. You acknowledge and agree that your advertising, operation and maintenance of the Petro Center in accordance with Petro System Standards are essential to preserve our goodwill including the goodwill of the Petro System and the Marks. Therefore, at all times during the Term, you agree to operate and maintain your Petro Center in accordance with each and every Petro System Standard, as we periodically modify and supplement them during the Term. You agree to comply with our Petro System Standards prescribed from time to time in the Manuals, or otherwise communicated to you in writing or other tangible form. Petro System Standards may regulate any one or more of the following with respect to the Petro Centers:
(a) design, layout, decor, appearance and lighting; periodic maintenance, cleaning and sanitation; periodic remodeling; replacement of obsolete or worn-out leasehold improvements, fixtures, furnishings, equipment and signs; periodic painting; and use of interior and exterior signs, emblems, lettering and logos, and illumination;
(b) types, models and brands of required fixtures, furnishings, equipment, signs, software, materials and supplies;
(c) required or authorized Services and Products and product or service categories;
(d) designated or Approved Suppliers (which may include us or our Affiliates) of Operating Assets, Computer Systems, Proprietary Supplies, Motor Fuel, Products and Services;
- (e) Core Programs;
(f) terms and conditions of the sale and delivery of, and terms and methods of payment for, Products, materials, supplies and Services, that you obtain from us, Approved Suppliers, unaffiliated suppliers or others;
(g) sales, marketing, advertising, contests, loyalty and promotional programs and materials and media used in such programs;
- (h) use and display of the Marks or Copyrights;
Source: Item 14 — Other investments (FDD pages 131–208)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Petro Stopping Center's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must operate and maintain their Petro Center in accordance with the Petro System Standards. Petro Stopping Center can periodically modify and supplement these standards during the term of the franchise agreement. These standards are crucial for preserving the goodwill associated with the Petro System and the brand's trademarks.
Petro Stopping Center communicates these standards through manuals, written notices, or other tangible forms. These standards may regulate various aspects of the Petro Centers, ensuring uniformity and quality across all locations. Franchisees are obligated to comply with these standards as they are modified and supplemented.
These modifications to the Petro System Standards may require franchisees to make additional capital investments in the Petro Center and/or incur higher operating costs. However, Petro Stopping Center states that these modifications will not alter the franchisee's fundamental status and rights under the agreement. Changes may include alterations to the Marks, the Petro Center's facade and structure, Operating Assets, the Products and Services offered, and interior specifications and equipment.
Petro Stopping Center will provide franchisees with a timeline to comply with these Capital Modifications. Franchisees will be given 60 days to comply with required Capital Modifications. However, if a Capital Modification requires an expenditure of more than $25,000, Petro Stopping Center will allow four months for compliance from the date of the request. These Capital Modifications are in addition to the costs franchisees will incur to repair, replace, or refurbish their Petro Center, inventory, supplies, equipment, and fixtures.