What written permission is required before a Stretch Zone franchisee can hire an employee from another unit?
Stretch_Zone Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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.
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)
Based on the 2025 Stretch Zone Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee is encouraged to submit written suggestions to Stretch Zone for improving elements of the Business System. However, the franchisee may not use any suggestion inconsistent with their obligations under the Franchise Agreement without Stretch Zone's written consent. This implies that while general operational improvements are welcome, franchisees must obtain permission before implementing changes that could affect their contractual duties.
While the FDD excerpts discuss various aspects of the franchise agreement, including obligations, termination conditions, and transfer rights, it does not explicitly address the process or requirements for a Stretch Zone franchisee to hire an employee from another unit. The document outlines procedures for renovations, upgrades, and modifications to the franchise business, as well as the franchisor's rights upon termination or expiration of the agreement, but it remains silent on inter-franchise employee transfers.
Therefore, a prospective Stretch Zone franchisee should directly inquire with the franchisor about the specific policies and procedures regarding the hiring of employees from other franchise units. This inquiry should cover whether written permission is needed, what criteria are considered in granting such permission, and any potential restrictions or guidelines that may apply to these hiring practices.