How must the IT Security Fee be paid by a Petro Stopping Center?

According to Petro Stopping Center's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the IT Security Fee is currently $100 per month. This fee is payable on the first full calendar month after opening the franchise and continues monthly as billed. Petro Stopping Center requires that this fee be paid via electronic funds transfer. The FDD also states that each calendar year the Monthly Advertising Fee will be increased by using the CPI Adjustment; however, it appears this remark is misplaced and may apply to the IT Security Fee as well.

This means that a new Petro Stopping Center franchisee must budget $100 per month for the IT Security Fee, with the understanding that this amount may increase annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The electronic funds transfer requirement ensures timely and consistent payment, but franchisees need to ensure their accounts are properly set up to avoid any late payment penalties.

Franchisees should also note the 'Remarks' column in the table, which states that the Monthly Advertising Fee will be increased by using the CPI Adjustment each calendar year and that in no event will the Monthly Advertising Fee be less than the then-current Monthly Advertising Fee. It is important to clarify with Petro Stopping Center whether this remark applies to the IT Security Fee as well, as it is listed under the IT Security Fee in the table. Understanding how this fee may change over time is crucial for accurate financial forecasting.