Is a Southern Steer franchisee required to abide by modifications to the System and Brand Manual?
Southern_Steer Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
andatory standards, specifications, formats, processes, requirements, instructions and procedures constitutes a breach of this Agreement. All mandatory standards, specifications, formats, processes, requirements, instructions and procedures prescribed from time to time by Franchisor in the Brand Manual, or otherwise communicated to Franchisee, will constitute provisions of this Agreement.
- (c) Modifications to System Standards. Franchisee expressly agrees to abide by any modifications, changes, additions, deletions and alterations Franchisor makes to the System, Brand Manual and Franchisor's, standards, specifications, formats, processes, requirements, instructions and procedures. Franchisee agrees to execute any and all documents necessary to effectuate the changes. Franchisee agrees to monitor its email and any System intranet frequently in order to stay abreast of new developments to the Brand Manual and System standards. Modifications, changes, deletions and alterations may require Franchisee to make additional expenditures born by Franchisee.
- (d) Quality Assurance Programs. The Franchisee will participate, at its expense, in any quality assurance monitoring programs specified by the Franchisor, including telephonic or electronic customer polling or onsite "secret shopper" programs, and will share the results of such programs with the Franchisor .
9.3. Compliance with Laws.
- (a) Compliance with Applicable Law. The Franchisee will, at its expense, comply with all applicable federal, state, city, local and municipal laws, statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations pertaining to the construction or remodeling of the Franchised Location and/or the operation of the Franchisee's Southern Steer Business including, but not limited to: (i) health and food service laws; (ii) liquor license requirements; (iii) health and safety regulations and laws; (iv) menu disclosure laws; (v) environmental laws; (vi) employment laws (including all wage and hour laws, employment laws, workers' compensation laws, discrimination laws, sexual harassment laws, disability and discrimination laws);
Source: Item 22 — ITEM. 22 CONTRACTS (FDD pages 61–168)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Southern Steer's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must adhere to any modifications, changes, additions, deletions, and alterations that Southern Steer makes to the System, Brand Manual, and its standards, specifications, formats, processes, requirements, instructions, and procedures. Franchisees also agree to execute any documents necessary to implement these changes and to regularly monitor their email and the System intranet to stay informed about updates to the Brand Manual and System standards.
Southern Steer may modify the System due to competitive changes, customer needs, and technological innovations. These modifications can include changing System components, modifying food and beverage offerings, changing the Marks, and modifying the Brand Manual. Franchisees may receive notification of these changes through various methods, including email, intranet postings, mail, teleconference, or fax.
Franchisees are responsible for implementing all required changes, additions, and supplements reflected in the Brand Manual at their own cost within the timeframe specified by Southern Steer. It's important to note that these modifications, changes, deletions, and alterations may require franchisees to make additional expenditures, which they will bear. The Brand Manual itself is considered the sole and exclusive property of Southern Steer and must be kept current by the franchisee.