What is the definition of 'Abandonment' in the context of a Southern Steer franchise?
Southern_Steer Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
"Abandon" will mean the conduct of the Franchisee indicating the willingness, desire or intent of the Franchisee to discontinue operating its Southern Steer Business in accordance with the quality standards, uniformity requirements and the System as described in this Agreement and the Brand Manual including, but not limited to, the failure or refusal of the Franchisee to operate its Southern Steer Business during the Southern Steer Business hours specified in the Brand Manual for four or more consecutive days without the prior written approval of the Franchisor, the failure to remain open for business during the specified business hours or the failure of Franchisee to respond to Franchisor's efforts to communicate with Franchisee.
Source: Item 22 — ITEM. 22 CONTRACTS (FDD pages 61–168)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Southern Steer Franchise Disclosure Document, 'Abandon' refers to a franchisee's conduct that suggests a willingness, desire, or intent to stop operating their Southern Steer Business according to the brand's standards, uniformity requirements, and overall system. This includes adhering to the Brand Manual guidelines.
Specifically, abandonment includes failing or refusing to operate the Southern Steer Business during the hours specified in the Brand Manual for four or more consecutive days without getting prior written approval from Southern Steer. It also covers not remaining open for business during the specified hours or not responding to Southern Steer's attempts to communicate with the franchisee.
For a prospective Southern Steer franchisee, this definition is important because it clearly outlines what actions could be interpreted as abandoning the franchise. Understanding these terms can help franchisees avoid unintentional breaches of their franchise agreement and potential termination of their franchise.