Is the Southern Steer franchisor allowed to take photographs and videotapes of the franchised location?
Southern_Steer Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
l be provided with adequate facilities by the Franchisee to conduct the audit. Subject to Section 14.8 below, the Franchisor will maintain the confidentiality of all Financial Records; however, if the Financial Records are relevant to any issue in any mediation, court or other proceeding between the parties, then the Franchisor will have the right to disclose the Financial Records accordingly.
- 14.4. Inspection Rights. The Franchisee will permit and cooperate with the Franchisor or its representatives to enter, remain on, and inspect the Southern Steer Business without prior notice. The Franchisee agrees that the Franchisor may: (a) interview the Franchisee's employees and customers; (b) take photographs and videotapes of the interior and exterior of the Franchised Location; (c) examine and remove samples of the Foods, Beverages and Products and other products sold or used at the Franchisee's Southern Steer Business; and (d) evaluate the quality of the Foods, Beverages and Products, other products, and the services provided by the Franchisee to its customers.
Source: Item 22 — ITEM. 22 CONTRACTS (FDD pages 61–168)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Southern Steer's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisor has the right to take photographs and videotapes of the franchised location under certain circumstances. Specifically, Southern Steer can inspect the business without prior notice and take photographs and videotapes of both the interior and exterior of the location. Additionally, Southern Steer can inspect, examine, videotape, and photograph the signs at the franchised location during the initial term of the agreement and any interim period.
Southern Steer also has the right to use these photographs and videotapes for purposes they deem appropriate, including advertising, marketing, and promotional materials. This usage can occur without any approval from or compensation to the franchisee. This means a franchisee may not have control over how their business location is portrayed in Southern Steer's promotional content.
These rights enable Southern Steer to maintain brand standards and ensure quality control across all franchise locations. It also allows them to gather content for marketing and advertising purposes, which benefits the entire franchise system. However, franchisees should be aware that Southern Steer has broad discretion in using these visuals, and franchisees waive rights to approval or compensation related to this use.