Is a Southern Steer franchisee allowed to use "Southern Steer Butcher" in their own email addresses or domain names?
Southern_Steer Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
n the Brand Manual or otherwise in writing by the Franchisor.
- 8.3. Internet Provider; E-Mail Address. The Franchisee will, at the Franchisee's expense, have access to the Internet. Franchisor will provide Franchisee with a Southern Steer Butcher e-mail address which will be used by the Franchisee and the Franchisor to communicate and to transmit documents and other information.
Source: Item 22 — ITEM. 22 CONTRACTS (FDD pages 61–168)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Southern Steer Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are explicitly prohibited from using "Southern Steer Butcher" as part of their email address, email alias, or domain name for any website they register or maintain. Southern Steer will provide the franchisee with a "Southern Steer Butcher" email address for communication and document transmission between the franchisee and franchisor. This restriction is in place to maintain brand consistency and control over the Southern Steer's online presence.
Southern Steer retains control over the brand's online presence, including the main Southern Steer Website and any mobile applications. Franchisees are not allowed to create their own websites, mobile apps, or blogs to promote their Southern Steer Business without prior written approval from Southern Steer. This ensures that all online marketing efforts align with the franchisor's overall strategy and brand standards.
Southern Steer also has the right to establish and maintain a website to advertise and promote the Southern Steer Businesses, including the Franchisee's Southern Steer Business. The franchisor has the right to modify, enhance, suspend or temporarily or permanently discontinue the Southern Steer Website at any time, in its sole discretion. This includes the domain name, mobile application name, content, features, format, procedures and links to other websites or applications.