Who is responsible for the costs associated with modifying, enhancing, updating, and upgrading the Computers and Software for a Southern Steer franchise?

According to Southern Steer's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee is responsible for the costs associated with modifying, enhancing, updating, and upgrading the Computers and Software. This includes the computer hardware, computer software, peripheral devices, and point-of-sale systems. These systems must meet the standards, specifications, and requirements established by Southern Steer, as outlined in the Brand Manual or in writing.

This means that as a Southern Steer franchisee, you will need to budget for potential software and hardware updates throughout the term of your franchise agreement. These costs can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the updates and the systems involved. It is important to maintain these systems to comply with Southern Steer's standards and to ensure smooth business operations.

Southern Steer requires that the franchisee's computer systems provide them with direct electronic access to the franchisee's data, financial information, and other required information, including Gross Revenues, direct labor costs, and food costs. Therefore, keeping the systems updated is not only a matter of compliance but also essential for Southern Steer to monitor the franchisee's business performance. Prospective franchisees should inquire about the typical frequency and costs associated with these updates to better understand the financial obligations.