Where must the electronically-submitted orders be provided for a Southern Steer franchisee to fulfill them?
Southern_Steer Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
The Franchisee will only sell the Foods, Beverages and Products on a retail basis and will not offer or sell the Foods, Beverages and Products: (a) on a wholesale basis, except as provided for by Franchisor in writing; (b) on a retail basis at any other location, except as provided for by Franchisor in writing; (c) by means of the Internet, catalogue or mail order sales, provided that the Franchisee will have the right to accept and fill electronicallysubmitted orders for Foods, Beverages and Products provided at the Franchised Location; or (d) by any other method of distribution.
Source: Item 22 — ITEM. 22 CONTRACTS (FDD pages 61–168)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Southern Steer's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee has the right to accept and fulfill electronically-submitted orders for foods, beverages, and products, provided these orders are received and fulfilled at the physical franchised location.
This means that while Southern Steer franchisees cannot operate a purely online or mail-order business, they can leverage online ordering systems to augment sales from their brick-and-mortar location. This allows franchisees to cater to customers who prefer the convenience of online ordering while still requiring them to pick up their orders from the store.
This hybrid approach is increasingly common in the food and beverage industry, blending the traditional retail experience with modern e-commerce solutions. However, Southern Steer maintains control over how its products are sold, ensuring that the brand's image and quality standards are upheld through the physical store environment. Franchisees should be aware that any deviation from this model, such as wholesale or catering, requires explicit written approval from Southern Steer.