Must changes to the Design Standards for a Southern Steer business be approved by the Franchisor?

According to Southern Steer's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, any changes or modifications to the Design Standards must be submitted to the Franchisor for its prior approval. This means that franchisees cannot independently alter the established design, decoration, layout, FF&E (furniture, fixtures, and equipment), or other items of the Southern Steer Business without first obtaining permission from Southern Steer.

This requirement ensures brand consistency across all Southern Steer locations, maintaining a uniform look and feel that customers recognize and associate with the brand. It also allows Southern Steer to control the quality and presentation of its brand, protecting its image and reputation.

For a prospective franchisee, this means that while they are responsible for the costs associated with constructing or renovating their location to meet the Design Standards, they must adhere to those standards unless they receive specific approval for modifications. This can impact construction timelines and costs if changes are desired, as they must factor in the time required for Southern Steer to review and approve any proposed modifications.