Besides the officer's ownership interest in Southern Steer, does Southern Steer or its officers have any ownership interest in approved suppliers other than Warface Marinades LLC?

According to Southern Steer's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, neither Southern Steer nor its officers have any ownership interest in any approved supplier other than Warface Marinades LLC, one of Southern Steer's approved marinade suppliers. This excludes the officer's ownership interest in Southern Steer itself.

For a prospective franchisee, this means that Southern Steer's leadership's financial interests are generally separate from the suppliers you'll be required to use, with the exception of Warface Marinades LLC. This separation can be seen as a positive, as it reduces the potential for conflicts of interest where Southern Steer might push franchisees to use a specific supplier for reasons other than quality or price.

However, the FDD also states that Southern Steer may receive income in the form of rebates, discounts, allowances, or other payments or credits from designated or approved suppliers. While there is no direct ownership, these financial incentives could still influence Southern Steer's choice of approved suppliers. Franchisees should be aware of this potential and consider it when evaluating the overall cost and quality of required supplies.

It's important for potential franchisees to inquire about the criteria Southern Steer uses for approving suppliers and whether these criteria include factors beyond just the cost of goods. Understanding the full scope of Southern Steer's relationships with its suppliers is crucial for making an informed investment decision.