What Is A Franchise Agreement?

Any franchise agreement clearly defines the relationship between the franchisee and the franchiser. A franchise agreement is something that is legally binding on both the parties involved. Once the franchisee reviews it and agrees to all the terms and conditions mentioned therein, it is duly signed and declared as finally binding on him.

Chipotle, being one of the most famous and popular Mexican restaurant chains in the United States of America, invites many eager franchisees wanting to make good money with the franchisee business. Chipotle has hence drawn out a detailed franchise agreement for such purposes, so that there is no ambiguity in the franchise agreement.

Chipotle franchise agreements detail every aspect of the agreement. Further, Chipotle's franchise agreement is transparent and does not involve any loopholes in itself. The honesty and integrity Chipotle shows in its business is also visible in its franchise agreement as well.

The Preamble of the Chipotle franchise agreement clearly states its expectations from the franchisee and the method he should carry out business, once he becomes a Chipotle franchisee. The Chipotle franchise agreement points out that it carries out its activities in tune with the usual methods it follows with all its other restaurants.

Like all the other franchise agreements, the Chipotle franchise agreement also insists that the franchisee stock and promote only Chipotle products and use exclusively its name, signature, logos and so on. Chipotle, in its franchise agreement, gives full rights for the franchisee to own and operate the restaurant on its own conditions, the breach of which would lead to the termination of the franchise contract.

Chipotle stipulates in the franchise agreement that it will decide upon the restaurant and the location. As and when required, it also takes care of other operational costs as well. Besides, it gives the franchisee a good deal of training, general guidance and also operational manuals to help him with his doubts and queries along the way. The franchisee merely has to pay $20,000 as the franchisee fee and a 5% royalty of their sales every month.

Keeping in tune with the quality of service Chipotle has always offered to its customers, Chipotle stipulates in its franchise agreement the high standard of hygiene and service it expects from its franchisees. It also states the various kinds of insurance that the Chipotle franchisee will be responsible for handling.

Chipotle's franchise agreement also states that the company would, if needed, fund the franchise's marketing needs, like advertising, marketing and maintaining public relations. In addition, the franchisee is also expected to reserve a small amount of his franchise's profits for minor marketing expenditure.

The franchisee is expected to maintain a systematic records of all the accounts and financial statements and records related to the business. Chipotle's franchise agreement clearly states that it also wields the right to carry out surprise inspections and audits on all the franchise outlets.

Though the Chipotle franchise agreement is very clear and precise, it would always be advisable for you to read through the terms thoroughly, so that you know exactly what is expected of you. Understand that a franchise agreement is always intended to be beneficial to the franchiser, so read through it leisurely and then decide whether or not you really want to go in for it.