When must the Non-Competition and Non-Disclosure Agreement be signed for a Southern Steer franchise?

According to the 2025 Southern Steer Franchise Disclosure Document, each of the franchisee's owners must execute the Non-Competition and Non-Disclosure Agreement, which is attached to the Franchise Agreement as Attachment I-1. This agreement is designed to protect Southern Steer's confidential information and trade secrets.

This requirement ensures that all individuals with a significant stake in the Southern Steer franchise are legally bound to protect the brand's proprietary information. This includes not only the franchisee but also any owners or partners involved in the business. By having all owners sign the agreement, Southern Steer aims to prevent the unauthorized disclosure or use of its confidential information, which could harm the brand's competitive advantage.

For a prospective Southern Steer franchisee, this means that before finalizing the franchise agreement, all owners must be prepared to sign the Non-Competition and Non-Disclosure Agreement. This agreement typically outlines the restrictions on using or sharing Southern Steer's trade secrets and competitive activities during and after the franchise term. Franchisees should carefully review the terms of the agreement to understand their obligations and potential limitations. It is also important to note that if any person or entity becomes an owner of the franchisee after the initial agreement, they will also be required to execute all documents required by Southern Steer within five business days.