Is a Punch King Fitness franchisee required to retain a licensed architect for their site?
Punch_King_Fitness Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
For your Site, we provide building specifications for your real property space, we review your design plans, you must retain a licensed architect, and you must obtain a feasibility study prepared by a qualified third party for the Site of your Franchised Business (Section IV of the Franchise Agreement). You are responsible for conforming the Site premises to local ordinances and building codes and obtaining any required permits for constructing, remodeling, or decorating the Site premises. We may but are not obligated to provide you with assistance to ensure that your Site conforms to local ordinances and building codes or obtain any required permits for construction or remodeling.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 28–35)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Punch King Fitness's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to retain a licensed architect for their site. Punch King Fitness provides building specifications and reviews the franchisee's design plans, but the franchisee must retain a licensed architect and obtain a feasibility study prepared by a qualified third party for their franchised business location. This requirement applies both when opening the initial location and for any relocations, remodeling, or updates upon relocation.
This means that prospective Punch King Fitness franchisees will need to factor in the cost of hiring a licensed architect when budgeting for the opening of their franchise. This architect will likely be responsible for creating or reviewing the design plans to ensure they meet Punch King Fitness's specifications, as well as local ordinances and building codes. The franchisee is ultimately responsible for conforming the site premises to these regulations and obtaining the necessary permits.
The FDD also states that Punch King Fitness may provide assistance to ensure the site conforms to local ordinances and building codes or to obtain required permits, but they are not obligated to do so. This suggests that while Punch King Fitness offers support, the onus is on the franchisee to ensure compliance. The franchisor also reviews the franchisee's design plans. This review process helps ensure that the design aligns with the brand's standards and operational requirements.
In summary, retaining a licensed architect is a mandatory step in the site development process for Punch King Fitness franchisees. This requirement helps to ensure that the location is properly designed, compliant with regulations, and aligned with the brand's standards, although it also represents a potentially significant upfront cost for the franchisee.