Under what conditions must Stretch Zone consent to a franchisee's actions?
Stretch_Zone Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
wsuits and Warning Letters**. You must notify us in writing and supply us copies of all relevant documents within 5 days of any of the following events:
- (i) The commencement of any action, suit or other proceeding against you or any of your employees that may have a material adverse effect on the Franchise Business or the Business System;
- (ii) Any communication by any governmental entity involving the conduct of your Franchise Business that indicates your material non-compliance with any applicable law, rule or regulation; or
- (iii) The issuance of any order, writ, injunction, award or decree of any court, agency or other governmental instrumentality against you or any of your employees that may have a material adverse effect on the Franchise Business or the Business System.
- (b) Progress Reports. You will provide us with any information we request about the progress and outcome of these events within 5 days of our request.
Section 4.19 OPERATIONAL SUGGESTIONS
You are encouraged to submit to us written suggestions for improving elements of the Business System, including products, services, equipment, service format, advertising and any other relevant matters for our consideration. You agree that any suggestions you make are our exclusive property. We have no obligation to use any suggestions. You may not use any suggestion inconsistent with your obligations under this Agreement without our written consent.
Section 4.20 RENOVATION AND UPGRADING
You agree that you will make capital improvements or modifications necessary to modernize, redecorate and upgrade your Franchise Business. This may include an upgrade of your equipment to reflect the current image and Trade Dress of new Stretch Zone Franchises we reasonably request, taking into consideration the cost of the modernization, the life expectancy of the equipment and the then-remaining term of this Agreement. Generally, these requirements will not exceed those applicable to new Franchised Units and new Company-Owned Units. You must complete to our satisfaction any changes we require within a reasonable time, not to exceed 12 months from the date we notify you of any required changes (other than signage). You acknowledge and agree that
the requirements of this Section are both reasonable and necessary to ensure continued public acceptance and patronage of the Franchise Business and to avoid deterioration or obsolescence in connection with the operation of the Franchise Business. If you fail to make any improvement as required by this Section, this is an Event of Default on your part.
Section 4.21 PUBLICITY
We have the right to take and use photographs, audio and/or video of the Franchise Business or testimonials from customers of the Franchise Business for publicity and/or advertising purposes, without charge or compensation to you. The photographs, videos, and/or testimonials are our sole property.
Source: Item 8 — Receipts. Any sale made must be in compliance with § 683(8) of the Franchise Sale Act (N.Y. Gen. Bus. L. § 680 et seq.), which describes the time period a Franchise Disclosure Document (offering prospectus) must be provided to a prospective franchisee before a sale may be made. New York law requires a franchisor to provide the Franchise Disclosure Document at the earliest of the first personal meeting or ten (10) business days before the execution of the franchise or other agreement or the payment of any consideration that relates to the franchise relationship. (FDD pages 99–263)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Stretch Zone Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee must obtain written consent from Stretch Zone before using any suggestion that is inconsistent with their obligations under the Franchise Agreement. Additionally, the Landlord and the Tenant/Franchisee must sign an agreement to assure that a Stretch Zone Franchise Business continues to operate at the premises. The premises must be approved by Stretch Zone on condition that all parties sign the agreement.
This means that while Stretch Zone encourages franchisees to submit suggestions for improving the Business System, franchisees cannot implement those suggestions if they conflict with the existing Franchise Agreement without first getting approval from Stretch Zone. This protects the uniformity and standards of the Stretch Zone brand. The agreement between the Landlord and Tenant/Franchisee ensures that the Franchisor's interest is protected under the Franchise Agreement.
These stipulations are fairly standard in franchising. Franchisors like Stretch Zone need to maintain consistent standards across all locations to protect their brand and ensure customer expectations are met. Requiring consent for deviations from the established system allows Stretch Zone to control quality and consistency. The agreement between the Landlord and Tenant/Franchisee protects the Franchisor's interest under the Franchise Agreement.