Can you provide details on the 1 unit terminated in 2024, including the specific reasons for termination and whether it involved disputes over compliance with operational requirements?
#1
The termination rate of 4.0% is above the typical range for fast casual restaurants. How many additional terminations or non-renewals do you anticipate in the next 12-24 months?
#2
Given the franchisor can terminate units for 17 different scenarios with only 5-10 days to cure, what are the most common default scenarios you've encountered among existing franchisees?
#3
Can you explain the circumstances of the 1 unit closure in 2024 and whether it was franchisor-initiated or voluntary?
#4
How do you support existing franchisees in the 10-hour daily, 7-day weekly operational requirement, given that this is more intensive than many competitors?
#5
What is the experience of current franchisees regarding the requirement to purchase all Spitz branded and proprietary products from approved suppliers only? Are there cost control mechanisms or price caps?
#6
Can you provide a breakdown of the financial performance data (Item 19) by unit age and location type to help assess realistic revenue expectations for new units?
#7
The franchise has grown 25.0% in the past year. What percentage of this growth is from new franchise sales versus expansion of existing franchisees, and do you have plans to slow or accelerate expansion?
#8
What remodeling or renovation investments are typically required at renewal (per the renewal conditions), and what is the average cost?
#9
Can you clarify the scope of the 2-year, 20-mile non-compete for former franchisees? Does this restrict them from working as employees at similar restaurants, or only from operating competitive businesses?
#10
Have any franchisees requested territorial expansion or multi-unit opportunities, and how does the franchisor handle such requests?
#11
What support and training are provided to help franchisees meet the 10-hour daily operational requirement and manage associated labor costs?
#12
Are there any pending disputes, regulatory investigations, or complaints from franchisees that are not yet reflected in litigation data?
#13
How many of the 25 current units are owned by multi-unit franchisees versus single-unit operators?
#14
What is the average unit volume (AUV) by year of operation, and how long does it typically take a new unit to reach median sales of $1.7M?
#15
Can you provide references from at least 5-10 franchisees who have owned units for 3+ years, including at least 2-3 who have renewed or are approaching renewal?
#16
The personal guarantee requires spouses to provide joint and several liability. Does this apply to all owners regardless of marital status or ownership structure?
#17
What happens to the franchise if the franchisor is acquired or changes ownership? Are there protections for existing franchisees in the agreement?
#18