What is the Southern Steer franchisee required to maintain to operate the business?
Southern_Steer Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
The Franchisee agrees to maintain the uniformity and quality standards required by the Franchisor for all Foods, Beverages and Products, and the services associated with the Marks and the System, and agrees to the terms and conditions contained in this Section 9 to assure the public that all Southern Steer Businesses will be uniform in nature and will sell and dispense quality Foods, Beverages and Products.
- (h) Southern Steer Business Hours.
Franchisee's Southern Steer Business will be open during the hours specified in the Brand Manual.
During business hours, the Franchisee will have Management Staff on duty responsible for supervising the Southern Steer Business's employees and operations.
- (i) Personnel.
The Franchisee will have a sufficient number of adequately trained and competent personnel on duty to guarantee efficient service to the customers of the Southern Steer Business and operation of the Southern Steer Business.
Franchisee agrees, at all times, to give prompt, courteous, friendly, and efficient service to all current and prospective customers.
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.
- (l) Security and Fire Monitoring Systems.
The Franchisee will utilize a security and fire monitoring system sufficient to provide notification of life and safety hazards and unauthorized access to the Franchised Location.
- (k) The Franchisee will, at all times, maintain sufficient working capital to operate the Southern Steer Business and to fulfill its obligations under this Agreement, and will take steps to ensure availability of capital to fulfill the Franchisee's obligations to maintain, remodel and modernize the Southern Steer Business premises as required under this Agreement.
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 meet several requirements to maintain operations. These include compliance with quality and service standards, Southern Steer business hours, and having enough trained personnel. Franchisees must adhere to the franchisor's standards for food, beverages, products, and services, ensuring uniformity across all Southern Steer locations. They are also responsible for the conduct of their business, providing excellent customer service, and maintaining ethical standards.
Southern Steer franchisees must maintain the image of their business according to the franchisor's standards, keeping the location clean and orderly, and ensuring all fixtures, furniture, and equipment are in good condition. They must also maintain sufficient working capital to meet their obligations and ensure they can remodel and modernize their premises as required. The franchisee is obligated to use a security and fire monitoring system. Furthermore, franchisees are expected to cooperate with Southern Steer and other franchisees to promote the brand.
These requirements ensure that each Southern Steer franchise operates to a consistent standard, protecting the brand's reputation and customer experience. For a prospective franchisee, this means understanding and budgeting for ongoing maintenance, staffing, and potential remodeling expenses. It also highlights the importance of adhering to Southern Steer's operational guidelines and maintaining open communication with the franchisor.