What is included in the definition of 'Management Staff' for a Southern Steer franchise?
Southern_Steer Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 30.31.
Management Staff. "Management Staff" will mean and Franchisee's management staff, including Franchisee's Designated Manager and general manager and assistant manager(s), if any, designated in accordance with the provisions of 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, the term "Management Staff" includes the franchisee's management staff, specifically the Designated Manager, general manager, and any assistant managers, if applicable. The Designated Manager is an individual approved by Southern Steer, responsible for the overall management and operation of the Southern Steer business, including administration, branding, marketing, record keeping, employee staffing and training, inventory control, hiring and firing, food preparation, and maintenance of the franchised location.
This definition is important for prospective franchisees as it clarifies who Southern Steer considers to be part of the management team. Understanding this definition helps franchisees identify key personnel and their roles within the franchise operation. It also highlights the importance of having a Designated Manager approved by Southern Steer, emphasizing the franchisor's involvement in ensuring competent management.
The franchisee and its Management Staff must adhere to Southern Steer's policies, standards, and procedures for social media use that references the brand or involves the Southern Steer Business. Franchisees do not have the right to create internet pages or engage in social media communications at the local level. This indicates that Southern Steer maintains control over its brand's online presence and marketing strategies, requiring franchisees and their management staff to comply with corporate guidelines.
In the event that the franchisee is unable to operate the Southern Steer Business for 45 days or longer, Southern Steer has the right to appoint an interim manager to operate the business. During this period, all revenue will be kept in a separate account, and the expenses of the business, including compensation for Southern Steer and its agents, will be charged to the account. Southern Steer will also retain 50% of Gross Revenues as a management fee. This clause protects the Southern Steer brand and ensures continuity of operations even in the franchisee's absence.