What responsibility does the franchisee have regarding updates and changes to the Brand Manual for their Southern Steer business?
Southern_Steer Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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.
Source: Item 22 — ITEM. 22 CONTRACTS (FDD pages 61–168)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Southern Steer Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are responsible for keeping their copy of the Brand Manual current and up-to-date. Southern Steer may modify the Brand Manual at its discretion due to changes in competitive circumstances, customer needs, or technological innovations. These changes may include modifications to the System, Food, Beverages and Products, Marks, and the Brand Manual itself. Franchisees may receive notification of these changes via email, intranet postings, mail, teleconference, or fax.
Southern Steer franchisees must implement all required changes, additions, and supplements reflected in the Brand Manual within the timeframe specified by Southern Steer. The franchisee bears the cost of these updates and changes. The master copy of the Brand Manual maintained by Southern Steer is controlling in the event of any dispute regarding the Brand Manual.
The Brand Manual remains the sole and exclusive property of Southern Steer, and it is loaned to the franchisee. Franchisees are prohibited from making copies or disseminating the Brand Manual and can only use it for operating their Southern Steer Business. Upon termination or expiration of the Franchise Agreement, the franchisee must return all copies of the Brand Manual to Southern Steer.