Does Southern Steer provide access to the Brand Manual to the franchisee?
Southern_Steer Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ess Judgment and will not fundamentally alter Franchisee status and rights under this Agreement. Specifications, standards, and procedures prescribed from time to time by Franchisor in the Brand Manual, or otherwise communicated to Franchisee in writing, will constitute provisions of this Agreement as if fully set forth herein The Franchisee covenants and agrees that the Franchisee will at all times comply with the terms of the Brand Manual. The Franchisor will provide Franchisee with access to the Brand Manual electronically, or on a secure Internet webpage (Intranet), or by another method reasonably adopted by the Franchisor. The Franchisee will at all times keep its copy of the Brand Manual current and up-to-date, and in the event of any dispute regarding the Brand Manual, the terms of the master copy of the Brand Manual maintained by the Franchisor will be controlling in all respects.
- 11.2. Changes To Brand Manual And System. Franchisee understands and agrees that due to changes in competitive circumstances, presently unforeseen changes in the needs of customers and/or presently unforeseen technological and other innovations, the System may change to best serve the interests of Franchisor, Franchisee, other franchisees and licensees and the System. Accordingly, Franchisee expressly understands and agrees that Franchisor may from time to time, in its sole discretion, (a) change the components of the System; (b) 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; (c) change, improve or modify the Marks; and (d) delete, add to or otherwise modify the Brand Manual. Franchisee may be notified of such changes by any method, including but not limited to, e mail, posting the changes to an Intranet, mail, teleconference or facsimile. Franchisee will be responsible for any updates and changes set out in the Brand Manual, and will modify its operations of the Southern Steer Business to implement all such required changes, additions and supplements reflected in the Manual at Franchisee cost within the time period specified by Franchisor.
- 11.3. Ownership of Brand Manual. Franchisee hereby acknowledge that the Brand Manual is loaned to Franchisee and will at all times remain the sole and exclusive property of Franchisor. Franchisee is prohibited from making copies of or otherwise disseminating the Brand Manual. The Franchisee will not use the Brand Manual, or any information contained therein for any purpose other than the operation of the Franchisee's Southern Steer Business. Upon expiration or termination of this Agreement for any reason whatsoever, Franchisee will forthwith return all copies of the Brand Manual which Franchisee may have to Franchisor.
- 11.4. Confidentiality of Manual. The Franchisee will treat the Brand Manual and any other manuals created for or approved for use in the operation of the Franchisee's Southern Steer Business as Confidential Information. The Franchisee will use all reasonable means to keep the contents of the Brand Manual secret and will only grant access to the Brand Manual to those employees who must use the Brand Manual in the performance of their employment duties in the Franchisee's Southern Steer Business.
12. MARKETING, ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION
12.1. Grand Opening Marketing.
Source: Item 22 — ITEM. 22 CONTRACTS (FDD pages 61–168)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Southern Steer FDD, Southern Steer will provide franchisees with access to the Brand Manual. This access will be electronic, through a secure internet webpage (Intranet), or another method reasonably adopted by Southern Steer. The Brand Manual contains information, advice, standards, requirements, operating procedures, instructions, and policies relating to the Southern Steer brand and system.
Southern Steer retains ownership of the Brand Manual, and franchisees are required to keep their copy current and up-to-date. In case of any dispute, the master copy maintained by Southern Steer will be controlling. Franchisees are prohibited from making copies or disseminating the Brand Manual and can only grant access to employees who need it for their job duties. Upon termination of the Franchise Agreement, the franchisee must return all copies of the Brand Manual to Southern Steer.
Southern Steer may modify the Brand Manual from time to time due to changes in competitive circumstances, customer needs, or technological innovations. Franchisees will be notified of these changes through various methods, such as email, intranet postings, mail, teleconference, or facsimile. Franchisees are responsible for implementing all required changes at their own cost within the timeframe specified by Southern Steer. Franchisees must also adhere to the rules and guidelines set out in the Brand Manual for marketing, promotion, and operation of their Southern Steer Business.