What documents are included in the 'Brand Manual' for a Southern Steer franchise?
Southern_Steer Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
"Brand Manual" means, collectively, all books, pamphlets, training videos, discs, software, bulletins, memoranda, letters, notices or other publications or documents prepared by or on behalf of Franchisor, whether in printed or electronic format, for use by Southern Steer Franchisees, setting forth information, advice, standards, requirements, operating procedures, instructions or policies relating to the Brand of the Southern Steer System, as same may be amended, modified or enhanced from time to time by Franchisor.
Source: Item 22 — ITEM. 22 CONTRACTS (FDD pages 61–168)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Southern Steer's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Brand Manual is a collection of resources provided to franchisees. It includes books, pamphlets, training videos, software, bulletins, memoranda, letters, notices, and other publications. These materials can be in printed or electronic format. The Brand Manual contains information, advice, standards, requirements, operating procedures, instructions, and policies related to the Southern Steer system. The franchisor may amend, modify, or enhance the Brand Manual over time.
The Brand Manual is a crucial tool for franchisees, offering guidance on how to operate their Southern Steer business according to the franchisor's standards. Franchisees must keep their copy of the Brand Manual current and up-to-date. In case of any dispute, the master copy maintained by Southern Steer will be the controlling document. Southern Steer may modify the Brand Manual from time to time to best serve the interests of the franchisees and the system. Franchisees are responsible for implementing any changes at their own cost within the specified time frame.
Southern Steer retains ownership of the Brand Manual, and franchisees are prohibited from making copies or disseminating it. The Brand Manual can only be used for operating the Southern Steer business. Upon termination of the franchise agreement, franchisees must return all copies of the Brand Manual to Southern Steer. The Brand Manual is considered confidential information, and access should only be granted to employees who need it for their job duties.
The Brand Manual also specifies certain operational requirements. For example, the Brand Manual dictates the hours of operation for the Southern Steer business, appearance standards and attire for employees, and music selections to be played. Additionally, franchisees must adhere to the Brand Manual's guidelines for grand opening marketing, local marketing, and advertising. Franchisees are required to spend a minimum of 1% of their annual Gross Revenues for local marketing, sales, and promotion of their Southern Steer Business in accordance with the Brand Manual.