What is 'Site Information' as defined by Southern Steer?
Southern_Steer Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Site Information.
The Franchisee will provide to the Franchisor the information specified by the Franchisor in writing for the proposed site ("Site Information").
The Franchisor will have the right to require that the Franchisee obtain, at the Franchisee's expense, an economic feasibility study for the proposed site for the Franchised Location.
Any such feasibility study required by the Franchisor will be completed by an expert mutually agreed upon by the Franchisor and the Franchisee in writing.
The Franchisor will review the Site Information and the Franchisee will not purchase or lease a proposed site until the Franchisee has provided the Site Information to the Franchisor, the Franchisor has reviewed the Site Information, and the Franchisor has provided the Franchisee with a no-objection letter for the proposed site.
The review of any Site Information, any visits by the Franchisor to a proposed site, the review of the site, and/or the issuance of a no-objection letter by the Franchisor will not constitute a warranty or representation by the Franchisor or any other party that the site for the Franchised Location chosen by the Franchisee will be a financial or operational success.
The issuance of a no-objection letter by the Franchisor will only mean that it has received the Site Information provided by the Franchisee and reviewed the Site Information.
Source: Item 22 — ITEM. 22 CONTRACTS (FDD pages 61–168)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Southern Steer Franchise Disclosure Document, 'Site Information' refers to the information that Southern Steer requires the franchisee to provide in writing regarding the proposed site for their franchised location.
In practical terms, this means that before a franchisee can commit to a specific location by purchasing or leasing it, they must first submit detailed information about the site to Southern Steer for review. This allows Southern Steer to assess the suitability of the location for a Southern Steer Business. Southern Steer has the right to require the franchisee to obtain an economic feasibility study for the proposed site at the franchisee's expense, using an expert agreed upon by both parties.
The franchisee cannot finalize the purchase or lease until Southern Steer reviews the submitted 'Site Information' and issues a no-objection letter. However, Southern Steer explicitly states that their review and any no-objection letter do not constitute a warranty or representation that the chosen location will guarantee financial or operational success. The no-objection letter only signifies that Southern Steer has received and reviewed the provided 'Site Information'.
This process highlights the importance of thorough due diligence on the franchisee's part when selecting a location, as the ultimate responsibility for the site's success rests with them. While Southern Steer provides a review process, the final decision and risk are borne by the franchisee. Franchisees should carefully consider this and potentially seek independent expert advice on site selection, even if Southern Steer issues a no-objection letter.