What sections of the Southern Steer Franchise Agreement and MUDA detail the franchisee's obligation to comply with standards, policies, and the Operating Brand Manual?
Southern_Steer Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
the uniformity and quality standards required by the Franchisor for all Foods, Beverages and Products, and the services associated with the Marks and the System, and agrees to the terms and conditions contained in this Section 9 to assure the public that all Southern Steer Businesses will be uniform in nature and will sell and dispense quality Foods, Beverages and Products.
- (b) Compliance with System Standards. The Franchisee will use the Marks and the System in strict compliance with the moral and ethical standards, quality standards, health standards, operating procedures, specifications, requirements and instructions required by the Franchisor. Franchisee acknowledges and agrees that operation of the Southern Steer Business in accordance with the System, Brand Manual and all present and future standards, specifications, formats, processes, requirements, instructions and procedures established by the Franchisor are the essence of this Agreement and are essential to preserve the goodwill of the System and Marks. Franchisee further agree that Franchisee will operate Franchisee's Southern Steer Business in strict accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the System, Brand Manual and all present and future standards, specifications, formats and procedures. The failure to comply with mandatory standards, specifications, formats, processes, requirements, instructions and procedures constitutes a breach of this Agreement. All mandatory standards, specifications, formats, processes, requirements, instructions and procedures prescribed from time to time by Franchisor in the Brand Manual, or otherwise communicated to Franchisee, will constitute provisions of this Agreement.
- (c) Modifications to System Standards. Franchisee expressly agrees to abide by any modifications, changes, additions, deletions and alterations Franchisor makes to the System, Brand Manual and Franchisor's, standards, specifications, formats, processes, requirements, instructions and procedures. Franchisee agrees to execute any and all documents necessary to effectuate the changes. Franchisee agrees to monitor its email and any System intranet frequently in order to stay abreast of new developments to the Brand Manual and System standards. Modifications, changes, deletions and alterations may require Franchisee to make additional expenditures born by Franchisee.
- (d) Quality Assurance Programs. The Franchisee will participate, at its expense, in any quality assurance monitoring programs specified by the Franchisor, including telephonic or electronic customer polling or onsite "secret shopper" programs, and will share the results of such programs with the Franchisor .
9.3. Compliance with Laws.
- (a) Compliance with Applicable Law.
Source: Item 9 — ITEM. 9 FRANCHISEE'S OBLIGATIONS (FDD pages 24–25)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Southern Steer's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, several sections within the Franchise Agreement outline the franchisee's obligation to comply with the brand's standards, policies, and Brand Manual. Section 9.2(b) states that franchisees must operate their Southern Steer Business in strict accordance with the System, Brand Manual, and all present and future standards, specifications, formats, and procedures. Section 9.2(c) further emphasizes that franchisees must abide by any modifications, changes, additions, deletions, and alterations that Southern Steer makes to the System, Brand Manual, and its standards, specifications, formats, processes, requirements, instructions, and procedures.
Section 9.2(b) also specifies that operating the Southern Steer Business according to the System, Brand Manual, and all present and future standards is essential to preserve the goodwill of the System and Marks. The agreement also states that failure to comply with mandatory standards, specifications, formats, processes, requirements, instructions, and procedures constitutes a breach of the agreement. All mandatory standards, specifications, formats, processes, requirements, instructions, and procedures prescribed by Southern Steer in the Brand Manual or otherwise communicated to the franchisee will constitute provisions of the agreement.
Section 9.1(h) states that the Southern Steer Business will be open during the hours specified in the Brand Manual. Section 9.1(i) states that the franchisee will require its employees to meet the appearance standards and to wear the prescribed attire or uniforms described in the Brand Manual. Section 9.1(k) states that the franchisee will play only the music and music selections that have been approved by Southern Steer as set forth in the Manual or otherwise in writing. Section 9.1(m) states that the franchisee will, at its expense, repair and maintain the Southern Steer Business in a clean and sanitary condition consistent with Southern Steer's then-current operating standards and will replace all décor items and FF&E as they become worn-out, soiled or in disrepair.
These provisions ensure that all Southern Steer franchises maintain a consistent brand identity and operational standard, which is typical in franchising. Franchisees must stay informed of any updates to the Brand Manual and System standards by monitoring their email and any System intranet frequently. Franchisees should be aware that modifications, changes, deletions, and alterations may require them to make additional expenditures.