What are the post-termination obligations of a Zoomin Groomin franchisee, as outlined in the Franchise Agreement?
Zoomin_Groomin Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ending you notice and an opportunity to cure: a. You violate any other term or condition of this Agreement, the Franchisee Operations Manual, or any other agreement with us; or
b. Any amount owing to us from you is more than 30 days past due.
8.4.No Refund of Initial Fee
We have no obligation to return or refund any fee to you upon termination or expiration of this Agreement.
8.5.Post Termination Obligations
Upon termination or expiration of this Agreement, including a sale of the Franchise Business, you will:
- a. Cease to operate the Franchised Business;
- b. Discontinue using any of our "Marks;"
- c. Cancel all fictitious name filings which you use that includes any of our Marks;
- d. Pay to us all amounts owing to us;
- e. Reimburse Clients for any fees paid for services not yet rendered;
- f. If requested by us, transfer to us all telephone numbers and internet listings used in relation to this Franchise Business by executing our then current form and deliver to us written proof of transfer;
- g. At our option, and upon our request, use your best efforts to assist in transferring the lease of the facility of your Franchised Business, whether it be through a new lease or assignment;
- h. Return to us or certify destruction of any paper and electronic copies of the Manual and any Confidential Information (retaining only such copies as you need for legal or tax purposes);
- i. Adhere to the post-term duties stated in Section 8.6 entitled Non-Compete and No Solicitation and any other duties that require your performance after you are no longer an Franchisee;
Source: Item 9 — 01. Financial Statements and Exhibits. (FDD pages 68–156)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Zoomin Groomin Franchise Disclosure Document, upon termination or expiration of the Franchise Agreement, including a sale of the franchise business, the franchisee has several obligations. These include ceasing operation of the franchised business and discontinuing the use of any of Zoomin Groomin's marks. The franchisee must also cancel all fictitious name filings that include any of Zoomin Groomin's marks and pay all outstanding amounts owed to Zoomin Groomin. Additionally, franchisees must reimburse clients for any fees paid for services not yet rendered.
Zoomin Groomin may request the franchisee to transfer all telephone numbers and internet listings used in relation to the franchise business and provide written proof of transfer. At Zoomin Groomin's option and request, the franchisee must use their best efforts to assist in transferring the lease of the facility, whether through a new lease or assignment. The franchisee is also required to return or certify the destruction of any paper and electronic copies of the manual and any confidential information, retaining only necessary copies for legal or tax purposes.
Furthermore, the franchisee must adhere to the post-term duties related to non-compete and non-solicitation, as well as any other duties that require performance after they are no longer a franchisee. The franchisee is also prohibited from making disparaging comments about Zoomin Groomin or its current and former employees, agents, members, directors, or franchisees. These obligations are typical in franchise agreements to protect the brand and ensure a smooth transition after the franchise relationship ends.