How often can the Southern Steer Franchisor amend the 'Brand Manual'?
Southern_Steer Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
1. Definitions.
(a) "Brand Manual" means, collectively, all books, pamphlets, training videos, discs, software, bulletins, memoranda, letters, notices or other publications or documents prepared by or on behalf of Franchisor, whether in printed or electronic format, for use by Southern Steer Franchisees, setting forth information, advice, standards, requirements, operating procedures, instructions or policies relating to the Brand of the Southern Steer System, as same may be amended, modified or enhanced from time to time by Franchisor.
- (b) "Competitive Activity" means (i) offering products and services that are the same as, similar to or competitive with a Southern Steer Business; (ii) operating a business or selling goods or providing services that features butcher, specialty grocer, marinated meats, or food preparation classes or that employs or incorporates one or more distinctive elements of the System; (iii) providing services of the type provided by Franchisor and/or its Affiliates where those services are provided in relation to businesses of the type described in Sections (i)-(ii); (iv) Ownership, whether directly or indirectly, and whether beneficially or of record of any capital stock, partnership interest, membership interest or any other interest in a business or entity that engages in the activities described in Sections (i) - (ii);
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 Brand Manual can be amended, modified, or enhanced from time to time by the franchisor. The Brand Manual contains all the books, pamphlets, training videos, software, bulletins, memoranda, letters, notices, or other publications or documents prepared by or on behalf of Southern Steer for use by franchisees. These materials set forth information, advice, standards, requirements, operating procedures, instructions, or policies relating to the Southern Steer system.
Southern Steer may change the components of the system; delete, add to, or otherwise modify the Food, Beverages and Products and other food, food items, equipment, FF&E and services which the Southern Steer Business is authorized to offer or use; change, improve or modify the Marks; and delete, add to or otherwise modify the Brand Manual. Franchisees will be responsible for any updates and changes set out in the Brand Manual and will modify their operations of the Southern Steer Business to implement all such required changes, additions, and supplements reflected in the Manual at the franchisee's cost within the time period specified by Southern Steer.
This means that as a Southern Steer franchisee, you must stay current with all Brand Manual updates and incorporate them into your business operations at your own expense. Changes to the Brand Manual can occur at any time, and Southern Steer will notify franchisees of these changes through methods such as email, intranet postings, mail, teleconferences, or fax. Franchisees must ensure they regularly check for updates and implement them promptly to maintain compliance and operational standards.