How must a Southern Steer franchisee maintain the image of their business?
Southern_Steer Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
s Agreement. Franchisee agrees, at all times, to give prompt, courteous, friendly, and efficient service to all current and prospective customers. Franchisee agrees to adhere to the highest standards of honesty, integrity, fair dealing and ethical conduct when dealing with current and prospective customers, suppliers, Franchisor, Affiliates and the public.
- (d) Presentation Of Uniform Image. The presentation of a uniform image to the public is an essential element of the System. Franchisee will maintain the image of the Southern Steer Business at all times in accordance with Franchisor's standards and specifications, including: (i) ensuring that the Franchised Location is maintained in a clean and orderly manner; (ii) ensuring that all FF&E remain in good, clean condition and inventory is properly displayed; and (iii) only offering such types of products, food items and services, including Food, Beverages and Products, that Franchisor authorizes from time to time for use by Franchise's Southern Steer Business as set forth in the Brand Manual and this Agreement.
- (e) Cooperation. Franchisee agrees to cooperate with and communicate directly with Franchisor. Franchisee agrees to notify Franchisor of any change of Franchisee's Southern Steer Business or personal address, telephone number, facsimile number or e-mail address within 10 days of any such change.
- (f) Promotions. Franchisee will fully participate in all such promotional campaigns, prize contests, special offers and other programs, national, regional or local in nature (including the introduction of new products, services and Food, Beverages and Products, or other marketing programs directed or approved by Franchisor), which are prescribed from time to time by Franchisor. Franchisee will be responsible for the costs of such participation.
- (g) Gift Cards; Loyalty Programs. Franchisee will not create or issue any gift certificates or gift cards and will only sell gift certificates or gift cards that have been issued by the Franchisor that are accepted at all Southern Steer Businesses. Franchisee will participate in all gift certificate and/or gift card administration programs as may be designated by the Franchisor from time to time.
Source: Item 22 — ITEM. 22 CONTRACTS (FDD pages 61–168)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Southern Steer Franchise Disclosure Document, maintaining a uniform image is crucial to the Southern Steer system. Franchisees are required to uphold the Southern Steer Business image at all times, adhering to the franchisor's standards and specifications. This includes keeping the franchised location clean and orderly, ensuring all furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) remain in good, clean condition, and properly displaying inventory.
Furthermore, franchisees must only offer products, food items, and services that Southern Steer authorizes for use in the business, as detailed in the Brand Manual and the Franchise Agreement. Franchisees are responsible for repairing and maintaining the Southern Steer Business in a clean and sanitary condition, consistent with the franchisor's current operating standards. They must also replace décor items and FF&E as they become worn, soiled, or are in disrepair, ensuring that all replacements comply with the standards and specifications outlined in the Brand Manual.
To maintain the brand's image, Southern Steer franchisees must ensure their employees meet appearance standards and wear prescribed attire or uniforms as described in the Brand Manual. The franchisee is also expected to make necessary capital expenditures to remodel, modernize, redecorate, and renovate their Southern Steer Business to reflect the current image and conform to the franchisor's specifications. These remodeling requirements are deemed reasonable and necessary to maintain uniformity among all Southern Steer Businesses and to update the brand's image.
In practical terms, this means a Southern Steer franchisee needs to invest continuously in the upkeep and appearance of their location, following the franchisor's guidelines closely. This includes everything from the cleanliness of the store to the types of products offered and the uniforms worn by employees. Failure to comply with these standards could lead to a breach of the franchise agreement and potential penalties.