Under what circumstances can Southern Steer franchisees offer catering or delivery services from their Franchised Location?
Southern_Steer Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- (o) Catering, Delivery and Wholesale.
The Franchisee will not offer catering or delivery from the Franchised Location or sell Food, Beverages or Products to restaurants on a wholesale basis except as may be specified in the Brand Manual or otherwise approved by the Franchisor in writing.
The Franchisor will have the absolute right to withdraw its approval for the Franchisee to offer catering services, delivery services and wholesale to restaurants on 30 days' prior written notice.
All catering and delivery services and wholesale to restaurants must comply with the Franchisor's standards, policies and requirements set forth in the Brand Manual or otherwise in writing by the Franchisor.
Franchisor may require Franchisee to participate in a third-party delivery service program.
Source: Item 22 — ITEM. 22 CONTRACTS (FDD pages 61–168)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Southern Steer's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are generally restricted from offering catering or delivery services from their franchised locations, or selling food, beverages, or products to restaurants on a wholesale basis. However, these activities are permissible if specified in the Brand Manual or otherwise approved by Southern Steer in writing. Southern Steer retains the right to withdraw its approval for these services with 30 days' prior written notice.
All catering, delivery services, and wholesale activities must adhere to Southern Steer's standards, policies, and requirements as outlined in the Brand Manual or in writing by Southern Steer. Furthermore, Southern Steer may require franchisees to participate in a third-party delivery service program.
This policy ensures that Southern Steer maintains control over the quality and consistency of its brand's offerings across all locations and distribution channels. For a prospective franchisee, this means that while opportunities for catering, delivery, and wholesale may exist, they are subject to Southern Steer's approval and can be revoked. Franchisees must stay informed of the latest standards and policies in the Brand Manual and any written communications from Southern Steer to remain compliant.