Does Southern Steer provide template plans and specifications for a standard business?
Southern_Steer Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 5.5.
Standard Plans and Specifications.
The Franchisor will provide the Franchisee with a set of the template plans and specifications for a standard Southern Steer Business.
The Franchisee acknowledges that unique aspects of each real estate site may require significant modifications to the standard plans.
Consequently, the Franchisee will, at its cost, retain a licensed architect and will be responsible for the preparation of working drawings and construction and architectural plans and specifications for the Franchisee's Southern Steer Business.
The Franchisee will be responsible for the accuracy of all drawings, plans and specifications for its Southern Steer Business, subject to the Franchisor's review and approval.
- 5.6.
Compliance with Specifications and Standards.
The Franchised Location and the Franchisee's Southern Steer Business will conform to all standards, specifications and other requirements ("Design Standards") established by the Franchisor for the design, decoration, layout, FF&E and other items of the Southern Steer Business.
Any changes or modifications to the Design Standards must be submitted to the Franchisor for its prior approval.
Compliance with the Design Standards does not release the Franchisee from its obligation to ensure that the Southern Steer Business is designed and constructed in compliance with all federal, state, and local laws including, without limitation, the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Source: Item 22 — ITEM. 22 CONTRACTS (FDD pages 61–168)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Southern Steer Franchise Disclosure Document, Southern Steer provides franchisees with template plans and specifications for a standard Southern Steer Business. However, the FDD stipulates that these standard plans may require modifications due to the unique aspects of each real estate site.
As a result, the franchisee is responsible for retaining a licensed architect to prepare working drawings, construction plans, and architectural specifications for their Southern Steer Business, bearing the cost of these services. The franchisee is also accountable for the accuracy of all drawings, plans, and specifications, although these are subject to Southern Steer's review and approval.
The franchisee must ensure that the Southern Steer Business conforms to all design standards established by Southern Steer, including design, decoration, layout, FF&E (furniture, fixtures, and equipment), and other items. Any changes or modifications to these design standards require prior approval from Southern Steer. Compliance with these design standards does not relieve the franchisee of the obligation to ensure the business is designed and constructed in compliance with all federal, state, and local laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act.