Can Petro Stopping Center require franchisees to obtain computer systems from its Affiliates?
Petro_Stopping_Center Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must use the computer systems, hardware, software, technology, and related services we specify in developing and operating the Petro Center (the "Computer System"). We may require you to obtain specified Computer Systems, including the rewards computer system, proprietary shop system, and proprietary shower system, and related services from our Affiliates and may modify specifications for any components of the Computer System or related services from time to time. Our modifications and specifications for components of the Computer System may require you to incur costs to purchase, lease or license new or modified computer hardware or software and to obtain service and support for the Computer Systems during the Term. You will incur costs in connection with obtaining the computer hardware and software comprising the Computer Systems (or additions or modifications). Within 30 days after you receive notice from us, you must obtain the components of the Computer Systems that we designate and require. The Computer Systems must be capable of connecting your Petro Center's Computer System with our Computer Systems so that we can review the results of your Petro Center's operations. We also have the right to charge you a systems fee (the "Computer Systems Fee") for any proprietary software that we license to you and other maintenance and support services that we, or our Affiliates, furnish to you related to the Computer Systems. You will be required to comply with the terms of any "terms of use," "privacy policies," "information security policies," or "user rules" we may designate in our sole discretion relating to the Computer System and any website we designate. Certain components and proprietary technology utilized by the Petro Center may be furnished to you pursuant to a sublicense or license we have obtained from a third-party owner, developer or manufacturer. You may be required to take actions and sign documents on behalf of a third party in connection with the license or sublicense. You will also be required to install and maintain certain security software on your Computer Systems (such as virus protection, firewalls, and malware blockers) as designated by us from time to time.
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, franchisees are required to use specific computer systems, hardware, software, technology, and related services designated by Petro Stopping Center for operating their Petro Center. Petro Stopping Center retains the right to modify these specifications over time.
Specifically, Petro Stopping Center may require franchisees to obtain specified computer systems, including rewards, shop, and shower systems, and related services from its Affiliates. These modifications or specifications may require franchisees to incur costs to purchase, lease, or license new or modified computer hardware or software, and to obtain ongoing service and support. Franchisees must obtain designated components of the computer systems within 30 days of receiving notice from Petro Stopping Center.
Furthermore, the computer systems must be capable of connecting the franchisee's Petro Center with Petro Stopping Center's systems, allowing the franchisor to review operational results. Petro Stopping Center also has the right to charge a Computer Systems Fee for proprietary software licensed to the franchisee and for maintenance and support services provided by Petro Stopping Center or its Affiliates. Franchisees must comply with terms of use, privacy policies, information security policies, or user rules designated by Petro Stopping Center related to the computer system and any designated website. These stipulations ensure that Petro Stopping Center maintains control over the technology used within the franchise network and can implement changes as needed, although this comes at a potential cost to the franchisee.