What written notice period is required before the expiration of the Southern Steer franchise term to renew?
Southern_Steer Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
L, TERMINATION, TRANSFER AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION
THE FRANCHISE RELATIONSHIP
This table lists certain important provisions of the Franchise Agreement and related agreements. You should read these provisions in the agreements attached to this Disclosure Document.
| Provision | Agreement | Summary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| a. | Length of the franchise term | 2.1 | 10 years beginning as of the Effective Date (which may be extended under certain circumstances to coincide with the term of the lease for Your Southern Steer Business, as described in Section 2.1 of the Franchise Agreement). |
| b. | Renewal or extension of the term | 2.2 | One additional 10-year term. |
| c. | Requirements for franchisee to renew or extend | 2.2 Section in Franchise | You must: give written notice at least 180, but not more than 365 days before expiration; have complied with all material terms and conditions of Your current Franchise Agreement; have paid all monetary obligations owed to Us during the term of the Franchise Agreement; agree in writing to remodel Your Southern Steer Business (and provide evidence of Your financial capability to make such expenditures); have the right to continue to occupy the premises for the Southern Steer Business for at least five additional years;; pay the Successor Franchise Fee; |
Source: Item 17 — ITEM. 17 RENEWAL, TERMINATION, TRANSFER AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION (FDD pages 43–50)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Southern Steer's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee seeking to renew their franchise agreement must provide written notice within a specific timeframe. To renew for an additional 10-year term, the franchisee must give written notice to Southern Steer at least 180 days, but not more than 365 days, before the expiration of the current franchise term. This means the franchisee has a window of approximately six months to notify Southern Steer of their intent to renew.
In addition to providing timely written notice, the franchisee must meet several other requirements to be eligible for renewal. These include complying with all material terms and conditions of the existing Franchise Agreement, fulfilling all monetary obligations owed to Southern Steer, and agreeing in writing to remodel the Southern Steer Business, including providing evidence of the financial capability to cover these remodeling costs. The franchisee must also ensure they have the right to continue occupying the premises for at least five additional years.
Furthermore, the franchisee is required to pay a Successor Franchise Fee, execute a general release of claims against Southern Steer and its related entities, and ensure that both the franchisee and their Designated Manager complete any required training. Upon renewal, the franchisee will be required to sign a new Successor Franchise Agreement, which Southern Steer notes may contain materially different terms and conditions than the original agreement. The franchisee must also maintain all necessary licenses, insurance, registrations, and approvals required to operate the Southern Steer Business in their Protected Area.