What are the Restricted Activities that a Zoomin Groomin franchisee is prohibited from engaging in after the termination or expiration of the Franchise Agreement?
Zoomin_Groomin Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You will not unfairly compete with us for a period of two (2) years after expiration or termination of this Agreement in the Territory or within twenty-five (25) miles of the boundaries of the Territory or 25 miles of any other Zoomin Groomin outlet by engaging in any Restricted Activities. This restriction applies even if you sell your Franchise Business.
C. No Solicitation
You will not, for a period of two years after expiration or termination of this Agreement, in the Territory or within 25 miles of the boundaries of your Territory, directly or indirectly solicit the patronage of any customer served by your prior Franchised Business during the last 24 months that you were a franchisee, or such shorter time as you were a franchisee, for the purpose of offering such person or entity, for a fee or charge, pet grooming or related pet products and services.
D. Disparagement
During the Restricted Period, you will avoid intentional conduct that leads any existing Client or vendor to modify their relationship to the harm of the Franchise Business.
Source: Item 9 — 01. Financial Statements and Exhibits. (FDD pages 68–156)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Zoomin Groomin's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, after the termination or expiration of the Franchise Agreement, a franchisee faces certain restrictions. For a period of two years, the franchisee cannot unfairly compete with Zoomin Groomin by engaging in any Restricted Activities within the Territory or within 25 miles of the boundaries of the Territory, or 25 miles of any other Zoomin Groomin outlet. Restricted Activities are defined as owning, operating, or having any interest in any competitive business, including mobile pet grooming or related pet products and services, or assisting anyone in competition with Zoomin Groomin. This restriction applies even if the franchisee sells their Franchise Business.
Additionally, for two years after the agreement ends, the franchisee is prohibited from directly or indirectly soliciting the patronage of any customer served by their prior Franchised Business during the last 24 months of their operation (or the entire duration if they were a franchisee for less than 24 months). This restriction applies within the Territory or within 25 miles of its boundaries, and it targets soliciting customers for the purpose of offering pet grooming or related products and services for a fee or charge.
During this restricted period, the franchisee must also avoid intentional conduct that could harm the relationship between existing clients or vendors and the Zoomin Groomin Franchise Business. These non-compete and non-solicitation clauses are typical in franchise agreements to protect the brand's market share and customer relationships. A prospective franchisee should carefully consider these limitations, as they could impact their ability to operate a similar business in the same geographic area after leaving the Zoomin Groomin system.