Exhibit 10.47
FRANCHISE AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT made this ~day of Month, ______, by and between Pasta
Central Co., an unincorporated division of Blimpie International, Inc., a New
Jersey corporation, located at 000 Xxxxxxxx, 00xx Xxxxx, Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx
00000 ("Franchisor"), and Corporation located at Address ("Operator," as also
defined in Article 10):
DEFINITIONS
In this Agreement the following capitalized terms shall have the meanings
set forth below, unless the context otherwise requires:
(i) A Pasta Central Branded Product is any product now existing or
developed in the future that bears Franchisor's Marks and is sold by some or all
Pasta Central Franchisees or Franchisor or other entities authorized by
Franchisor, such as supermarkets, grocery stores or convenience stores.
(ii) A Pasta Central Distribution Point or Distribution Point is any
system other than a Pasta Central Restaurant, where Authorized Pasta Central
Products using Franchisor's Marks are sold, such as carts, kiosks, vending
machines or other product distribution systems developed now or in the future
and authorized by Franchisor.
(iii) A Pasta Central Restaurant is a restaurant or other outlet, whether
a Traditional Restaurant or a Nontraditional Restaurant, that specializes in the
sale of Authorized Pasta Central Products, as defined below, that is operated
under Franchisor's Marks, as defined below, and is authorized by a Franchise or
License Agreement made or approved by Franchisor.
(iv) A Nontraditional Restaurant is a Pasta Central Restaurant located
within another primary business or in conjunction with other businesses, some of
which may be other fast-food type operations.
(v) A Traditional Restaurant is a business premises that exists primarily
as a Pasta Central Restaurant. However, such Traditional Restaurant may also
have other types of businesses located in it, but in such case the Pasta Central
Restaurant is the primary business.
(vi) A System Restaurant is a Pasta Central Restaurant from which Pasta
Central Authorized Products are sold for on-premises or off-premises
consumption, and from which Authorized Pasta Central Products may be delivered
for off-premises consumption.
(vii) Authorized Products or Pasta Central Authorized Products are
products approved or authorized by Franchisor in accordance with Article 5 or 8
of this Agreement.
WHEREAS, Franchisor is the owner of the trademark "Pasta Central", for
which an application for registration has been filed with, or a registration has
been issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office of the United
States of America, and Franchisor may in the future
become the owner, licensee and/or authorized distributor for related trademarks,
including logos and designs (collectively, "Franchisor's Marks"); and
WHEREAS, Franchisor has developed and continues to develop a system for
merchandising Pasta Central authorized products, which system includes
distinctive signs, food recipes, uniforms, and various trade secrets and other
confidential information, and in some cases also includes architectural designs,
equipment specifications, layout plans, inventory, record-keeping and marketing
techniques (the "System"). The System is materially reflected in Franchisor's
Operations Manual, Local Restaurant Marketing Manual and Construction Manual
(collectively, the "Manuals"). Franchisor identifies the System by Franchisor's
Marks, and such other trademarks, service marks, trade names, logos and designs
as may be designated by Franchisor in writing as being authorized for use under
the System. Franchisor's Marks identify for the public the source of the
services rendered in accordance with the standards and specifications
established by Franchisor; and
WHEREAS, the System as used in existing Traditional and Nontraditional
Pasta Central Restaurants and Pasta Central Distribution Points have established
or will establish a reputation for quality, cleanliness, appearance and service,
and through such operations and continued marketing and advertising efforts,
have created demand and goodwill for the authorized Pasta Central food products
sold as a result of which the System has acquired valuable goodwill and a
favorable reputation; and
WHEREAS, Operator desires to enjoy the benefits of (i) operating under the
System and using Franchisor's Marks, and (ii) being authorized and licensed to
operate one System Restaurant as set forth below within the System in strict
accordance with the standards and specifications established by Franchisor; and
WHEREAS, Franchisor is willing to grant Operator a license under
Franchisor's Marks and the System, subject to Operator's strict compliance with
the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1. FRANCHISE RIGHT GRANTED, LOCATION.
1.1 GRANT.
In consideration of the issuance of the franchise granted herein, Operator
shall pay to Franchisor the non-refundable sum of $Price (the "Initial Fee"). In
exchange, Franchisor hereby awards Operator the exclusive right to open and
operate, under the terms of this Agreement, one System Restaurant specializing
in selling high quality limited and specific food items as specified by
Franchisor in Franchisor's Operations Manual, or subsequently added in
accordance with Operations Manual amendments, under the name Pasta Central at a
location to be mutually agreed upon by both parties. No exclusive or protected
market is intended to be granted by this Article. The Initial Fee shall be
deemed fully earned by Franchisor upon the execution of this Agreement by
Franchisor and Operator and shall not be refunded, in whole or in part, upon any
termination of this Agreement, or at any other time or under any other
circumstances.
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1.2 LICENSE.
Franchisor hereby grants and awards to Operator, for the term set forth in
this Agreement, and any renewal term, beginning on the date of this Agreement,
the right and license, and Operator hereby undertakes the obligation, to operate
the business described in this Agreement under Franchisor's Marks and such other
of Franchisor's Marks as may be designated by Franchisor, to operate such
business solely in accordance with the System, and only at the specific location
to be agreed upon by Franchisor and Operator (the "Location").
1.3 LOCATION.
No Location has been agreed upon at the time of the execution of this
Agreement unless set forth and identified in this Agreement or an attached
rider. Upon the leasing of the Location, Operator agrees to sublet the Location
from an independent corporation designated by Franchisor, on the approved
sublease form annexed to Franchisor's Uniform Franchise Offering Circular (the
"UFOC", as further defined in Article 18). Any material violation of the
sublease that is not cured after notice is given and within the applicable grace
periods, as required by the terms of the sublease for the Location, is a
violation of this Agreement. The signing of the sublease for the Location, or
Operator's or any of its principle stockholder's or officer's written approval
of the master lease for the Location, shall constitute Operator's approval of
the Location. Operator shall engage only in the business of operating a System
Restaurant at the Location and no other, except with Franchisor's prior written
consent. Operator acknowledges its sole responsibility for finding the Location
and that Franchisor is not obligated to directly or indirectly obtain an
approved location for Operator. Franchisor's area subfranchisor, if any, as
identified herein, however, may voluntarily (without obligation) assist Operator
in obtaining an approved location, as well as other approved locations for other
System Restaurant operators who have executed existing franchise agreements.
ARTICLE 2. INSTALLATION AND COMMENCEMENT OF BUSINESS.
Operator, at its own expense, shall (i) renovate the Location into a
System Restaurant; (ii) obtain all necessary governmental permits and licenses
prior to beginning the renovation of its Location into a System Restaurant and
Operator shall fully complete the renovation, construction and equipping within
a reasonable time thereafter. Operator shall commence operation of each System
Restaurant no later than thirty (30) days following substantial completion of
the renovation and equipment installation at the Location, and shall give
Franchisor ten (10) days written notice prior to commencing operations. In no
event shall Operator construct or remodel the interior or exterior of any System
Restaurant or make any improvements which vary from the then-current standards,
plans, and specifications approved by Franchisor, without first obtaining
Franchisor's prior written approval. Operator, at its own expense, shall obtain
all municipal and state licenses necessary to operate Operator's System
Restaurant prior to commencing business at its System Restaurant and shall
maintain all licenses in full force and effect during the term of this
Agreement.
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ARTICLE 3. TRAINING.
3.1 Operator will designate individuals (up to 4 persons) as trainee(s) to
attend Franchisor's training school in Atlanta, Georgia (the "Pasta Central
Training School") or at another training location selected by Franchisor.
Franchisor will offer initial training programs for Operator and its management
employees at times selected by Franchisor. Franchisor will bear the costs of
providing training programs, including the overhead costs of training, staff
salaries, materials, and all technical training tools. Operator shall pay all
traveling, living, compensation, and other expenses incurred by Operator and/or
Operator's employees in connection with attendance at training programs. The
training program and manner of conducting such program shall be at Franchisor's
sole discretion and control. The training course will be structured to provide
practical training in the implementation and operation of a System Restaurant.
3.2 Operator will not allow any System Restaurant to be opened or managed
by any person who has not attended and successfully completed the management
training course designated by Franchisor. If Operator is an individual, and does
not manage its System Restaurant on a day-to- day basis, and in the event its
designated System Restaurant manager resigns or is terminated, Operator must
arrange to have the successor restaurant manager (i) begin the required training
course within forty-five (45) days of first assuming the duties of a restaurant
manager and (ii) successfully complete the course. Provided Operator
successfully completes the training program, the required training course
conducted at Franchisor's facilities will not extend beyond two (2) weeks.
However, the course conducted at Franchisor's facilities, requires an additional
96 hours of operational training in a Franchisor-approved System Restaurant.
3.3 If at any time the trainee voluntarily withdraws from, or is unable to
complete its training, or fails to demonstrate an aptitude, spirit or ability to
comprehend and carry out the course of study to the reasonable satisfaction of
Franchisor, then Franchisor shall have the right to require Operator's trainee
to attend other training class(es) or to perform additional operational training
until Franchisor is reasonably satisfied that Operator's trainee has
satisfactorily completed the training course. Operator may not open its System
Restaurant until training is completed to Franchisor's reasonable satisfaction.
3.4 In the event of a sale to a third party of Operator's System
Restaurant after opening, the transferee must be trained in the Pasta Central
Training School as a condition of Franchisor's consent to such transfer. All
tuition costs for such training shall be deemed paid upon receipt by Franchisor
of five (5%) percent of the sales price of operator's System Restaurant due in
accordance with Article 14 herein. In the event of an approved non-sale
management transfer to a third party of Operator's System Restaurant, the
transferee shall attend the Pasta Central Training School and pay to Franchisor
the training fee, which fee shall not exceed $1,500. No System Restaurant shall
open or re-open until the Pasta Central Training School certifies that the
transferee is approved to operate the respective System Restaurant.
3.5 Additional training sessions are available at Operator's request and
expense, and at Franchisor's request, at Operator's expense, except for the
initial training course itself. Operator's attendance at additional training
sessions is mandatory if they are scheduled in Operator's state. For these
additional training sessions, Franchisor will provide the instructors and
instructional materials,
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but Operator must arrange for transportation, lodging and food for itself and/or
its manager. The cost will depend on the distance Operator must travel and the
type of accommodations Operator chooses. Additionally, all Operators must attend
regional meetings when and if established by Franchisor, and must attend annual
national conventions when and if scheduled, and pay the registration fee.
ARTICLE 4. MANUALS AND STANDARDS OF OPERATOR
QUALITY, CLEANLINESS AND SERVICE.
4.1 STANDARDS.
In order to promote the value and goodwill of Franchisor's Marks and the
System and to protect Franchisor's Marks and the other Pasta Central operators
who comprise the Pasta Central franchise system, Operator agrees to conduct its
business in accordance with the standards promulgated by Franchisor as follows:
4.2 MANUALS.
4.2.1 In the Manuals and other publications, Franchisor will list
authorized products to be sold by Operator, and promulgate standards of
operation for System Restaurants, including standards of quality, cleanliness,
and service for all food, beverages, furnishings, interior and exterior decor,
supplies, fixtures, and equipment used in connection with each System
Restaurant. Operator agrees to operate its System Restaurant in accordance with
the standards, specifications and procedures set forth in the Manuals, this
Agreement and the sublease for the Location. Operator further agrees that
changes in the menu, or the standards, specifications and procedures may become
necessary from time to time and agrees to accept as reasonable all
modifications, revisions and additions to the Manuals as authorized by
Franchisor. The sale of any product or service at the Operator's Location,
without Franchisor's prior written approval shall constitute a material
violation of this Agreement.
4.2.2 The Manuals and all amendments to the Manuals (and copies thereof)
are copyrighted and remain Franchisor's property. They are loaned to Operator
for the term of the Agreement, and must be returned to Franchisor upon the
Agreement's termination, expiration or nonrenewal. The Manuals are highly
confidential documents which contain certain trade secrets of Franchisor, and
Operator shall never reveal, and shall take all reasonable precautions, both
during and after the term of this Agreement, to assure that its employees or any
other party under Operator's control, shall never reveal any of the contents of
the Manuals or any other publication, recipe or secret provided by Franchisor,
except as is necessary for the operation of Operator's System Restaurant.
4.3 HOURS.
Franchisor and Operator agree that the hours of operation of Operator's
System Restaurant are at a minimum, 10:00 am. to 12:00 p.m. (midnight), 7 days
per week, and Operator agrees to operate its System Restaurant during such
hours. If the Location is in a mall or shopping center, the hours of the mall or
shopping center shall control. Operator shall diligently and efficiently
exercise
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its best efforts to achieve the maximum gross sales possible from its location,
and will be open for business not less than 14 hours per day, seven days per
week, unless additional opening hours are reasonably required to maximize
operations and sales. If such hours are incorrect in relation to the sales
potential of Operator's System Restaurant, then Franchisor and Operator shall
reasonably adjust such hours by jointly establishing new hours of operation. It
is acknowledged that the hours of other operators will vary in relation to each
respective location, and local legal restrictions, if any.
4.4 APPEARANCE.
From time to time, Operator's System Restaurant may need a cosmetic
improvement or equipment change or addition in order to comply with the Manuals
and/or to maintain proper operations and an aesthetic appearance and
professional image. Accordingly, Franchisor may require remodeling and
renovation, and modifications to existing equipment and improvements as is
reasonably necessary. Franchisor shall not require any such work at a particular
System Restaurant less than three (3) years after the opening of the System
Restaurant except: (i) for additional equipment if new food preparation methods
or products are developed and authorized by Franchisor; (ii) if repairs or
repainting are necessary to maintain the appearance of the interior and exterior
of the Location in a clean and orderly condition satisfactory to Franchisor; or
(iii) upon the sale of the Operator's System Restaurant. Within ninety (90) days
after receipt of written notice, Operator shall fully implement and complete
such changes to its System Restaurant operating under this Agreement.
4.5 PRODUCT LINE AND SERVICE.
Operator agrees to only serve the approved limited product line items
specified by Franchisor in this Agreement or in the Manuals and to follow all
specifications and formulas of Franchisor as to specifications, contents, weight
and quality of products served to its customers from Operator's System
Restaurant.
4.6 CONTAINERS, FIXTURES AND OTHER GOODS.
4.6.1 Operator agrees that all food and drink items will be served in
containers bearing accurate reproductions of Franchisor's Marks. All containers,
napkins, bags, cups, matches, menus and other packaging and like articles used
in connection with Operator's System Restaurant shall conform to Franchisor's
specifications, shall be imprinted with Franchisor's Marks and shall be
purchased by Operator from a distributor or manufacturer approved in writing by
Franchisor, as provided in Article 8, which approval will not be unreasonably
withheld.
4.6.2 No item of merchandise, furnishings, interior and exterior decor
items, supplies, fixtures, equipment or utensils bearing any of Franchisor's
Marks shall be used in or upon any System Restaurant unless the same shall have
been first submitted to and approved in writing by Franchisor.
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ARTICLE 5. MENUS, UNIFORMS, INSPECTIONS, SIGNS.
5.1 MENUS.
5.1.1 Operator shall not manufacture, advertise for sale, sell or give
away any product unless such product has been approved in the Manuals as an
authorized product for sale in Operator's System Restaurant and not thereafter
disapproved in writing by Franchisor. All approved products shall be distributed
under the specific name designated by Franchisor. Operator shall establish all
menu prices in its sole discretion. Operator shall offer for sale in its System
Restaurant only those food products which Franchisor designates as "approved and
authorized" or which Franchisor has made available as a "regionalized" menu or
has otherwise specifically approved in writing (each, "Authorized Product"). No
standard product will be removed from the menu unless Operator is so instructed
by Franchisor.
5.1.2 Such "Authorized Products" shall be marketed by approved menu
formats to be utilized in Operator's System Restaurant. The approved and
authorized menu and menu format(s) may include, in Franchisor's discretion,
requirements concerning organization, graphics, product descriptions,
illustrations, and any other matters (except prices) related to the menu,
whether or not similar to those listed. In Franchisor's discretion, the menu
and/or menu format(s) may vary depending upon region, market size, and other
factors. Franchisor may change the menu and/or menu format(s) from time to time
or region to region or authorize tests from region to region or authorize
non-uniform regions or non-uniform System Restaurant(s) within regions, in which
case Operator will be given a reasonable time (not longer than thirty (30) days)
to discontinue use of any old menu format(s) and implement use of the new menu
format(s).
5.1.3 Operator shall, upon receipt of notice from Franchisor, add any
Authorized Product to its menu according to the instructions contained in the
notice. Operator shall have a minimum of thirty (30) days after receipt of
written notice in which to fully implement any such change. Operator shall cease
selling any previously approved product within thirty (30) days after receipt of
notice that the product is no longer approved.
5.1.4 The Authorized Products sold by Operator shall be of the highest
quality, and the ingredients, composition, specifications, and preparation of
such food products shall comply with the instructions and recipes provided by
Franchisor or contained in Franchisor's Operations Manual, and with the further
requirements of Franchisor as they are communicated to Operator from time to
time.
5.2 COMPLIANCE.
Operator shall operate each of its System Restaurants as a clean, orderly,
legal and respectable place of business in accordance with Franchisor's business
standards and merchandising policies, and shall comply with all applicable
ordinances, laws, statutes and regulations governing the operation of such
premises, including all disability, food and drug laws and regulations. Operator
shall not allow any Location or part of a Location to be used for any immoral or
illegal purpose.
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5.3 SIGNS, DESIGNS AND FORMS OF PUBLICITY.
5.3.1 Operator shall maintain a suitable sign or awning at, on, or near
the front of the Location, identifying the Location as a "Pasta Central
Restaurant". Such sign shall conform in all respects to Franchisor's
requirements and in accordance with the layout and design plan approved for the
Location, except to the extent prohibited by local legal restrictions.
5.3.2 No exterior or interior sign or any design, advertisement, sign, or
form of publicity, including form, color, number, location, and size, shall be
used by Operator or any Association (as defined below) unless first submitted to
Franchisor and approved in writing (except with respect to prices). Any request
by Operator for such approval shall be properly submitted in duplicate to: (i)
Franchisor's Legal Department, Attention: General Counsel, 000 Xxxxxxxx, Xxx
Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000; and (ii) Franchisor's marketing department, 0000 Xxx
Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxx 000, Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx 00000. Franchisor shall respond to such
request within thirty (30) days of its receipt. Whenever Operator elects to
utilize, in the form supplied, advertising supplied by Franchisor or any
promotional item specifically approved by Franchisor, no further approval for
use of such material is required. Upon written notice from Franchisor, Operator
shall discontinue and/or remove any objectionable advertising materials or any
other materials not suitable for display, in Franchisor's sole discretion.
5.4 UNIFORMS AND EMPLOYEE APPEARANCE.
Operator shall cause all employees, while working in System Restaurants,
to: (i) wear uniforms of such color, design, and other specifications as
Franchisor may designate from time to time, and (ii) present a neat and clean
appearance. If the type of uniform utilized by Operator is removed from the list
of approved uniforms, Operator shall have sixty (60) days from receipt of
written notice of such removal to discontinue use of its existing inventory of
uniforms and implement the approved type of uniform.
5.5 VENDING OR OTHER MACHINES.
Operator shall not permit vending or game machines or any other mechanical
device to be installed or maintained in its Location without Franchisor's prior
written approval
5.6 INSPECTION.
5.6.1 Franchisor's authorized representatives shall have the right to
enter upon the entire main floor and basement of Operator's System Restaurant
during business hours, without disrupting Operator's business operations, for
the purposes of examining same, conferring with Operator's employees, inspecting
and checking operations, food, beverages, furnishings, interior and exterior
decor, supplies, fixtures, and equipment, and determining whether the business
is being conducted in accordance with this Agreement, the System and the
Manuals.
5.6.2 In the event any such inspection indicates any deficiency or
unsatisfactory condition with respect to any matter required under this
Agreement or the Manuals, including but not limited to quality, cleanliness,
service, health and authorized product line, Franchisor will notify Operator in
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writing of Operator's non-compliance with the Manuals, the System, or this
Agreement. Operator shall have twenty-four (24) hours after receipt of such
notice, or such other greater time period as Franchisor in its sole discretion
may provide, to correct or repair such deficiency or unsatisfactory condition,
if it can be corrected or repaired within such period of time. If not, Operator
shall within such time period commence such correction or repair and thereafter
diligently pursue it to completion.
ARTICLE 6. ADVERTISING AND FRANCHISEE ASSOCIATIONS.
6.1 Operator and Franchisor acknowledge the value of advertising and
accordingly Operator agrees to pay 4% of its gross sales for each and every week
of its operations to Franchisor (the "Advertising Fee"). These funds will be
deposited, at Franchisor's sole discretion, into a segregated advertising
account (with other advertising collections) controlled by Franchisor or to a
regional advertising cooperative covering Operator's System Restaurant.
Advertising payments will then be spent for advertising to benefit Operator
and/or all or regional operators of System Restaurants. The Advertising Fee
shall be paid in accordance with the procedure described in Article 9.
6.2 Franchisor, at its sole discretion, may spend the collected fees
directly, or may authorize payment of the advertising collections for media
time, production of media materials, whether for radio, television, newspapers
or store level materials such as flyers, or posters, or for any other type of
advertising or marketing use. Franchisor is not, under any circumstances,
obligated to contribute to any national or local advertising fund, program,
Association, or other organization any advertising fees or contributions.
6.3 Franchisor encourages the formation and operation of voluntary
Operator Cooperative Advertising Associations (each an "Association"). Each
Association shall function for the purpose of creating a cohesive team to
coordinate advertising, marketing efforts and programs and maximizing the
efficient use of local advertising media. If an Association is formed for
Operator's region, each Operator must participate in the Association or lose its
right to vote as to decisions regarding advertising and marketing efforts and
programs.
6.4 If requested, Franchisor will assist in establishing an Association or
otherwise assist in deciding how to allocate all or part of the advertising
funds paid by Franchisor to the Association (such funds will be paid to each
Association at the Franchisor's sole discretion, who is entitled to expend the
funds at its sole discretion in accordance with the provisions of this
Agreement). If Franchisor elects to pay all or a portion of the advertising
collections to an Association and if one of the following events occurs and is
not resolved by the Association, then Franchisor reserves the right to exercise
sole decision-making power over the advertising funds: (i) if an Association
ceases functioning; or (ii) an impasse arises because of the inability or
failure of the Association members to resolve any issue affecting the
establishment or effective functioning of an individual Association; or (iii) an
Association fails to function in a productive or harmonious manner; or (iv) an
Association is unable to approve any advertising program within a reasonable
time not to exceed thirty (30) days. Franchisor reserves the right to establish
general standards concerning the operation of all Associations, advertising
agencies retained by Associations, and advertising
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programs conducted by Associations. No decisions shall be made or advertising
funds spent without Franchisor's prior written approval. Franchisor charges $10
per restaurant per month to each Association as a
reimbursement/collection/service fee before distributing the collected moneys to
each Association.
6.5 Operator acknowledges receipt of Franchisor's UFOC which refers to (a)
Pasta Central Brand Building Fund, Inc. ("PCBBFI"); (b) and the Council of Pasta
Central Suppliers; (c) a research and development fund; (d) the Grand Opening
event, and (e) the Initial Program as explained below.
6.5.1 PCBBFI is the non-profit entity authorized to receive marketing
allowances and payments from Pasta Central distributors, manufacturers and other
entities that are associated in business, directly or indirectly, with
Franchisor or the System or its operators or any part thereof. The activities of
PCBBFI are controlled by Franchisor as consulted and advised by Pasta Central
operators elected to the Pasta Central Franchisee Advisory Council and
subfranchisors elected to the Pasta Central Subfranchisor Advisory Council
(collectively the "Council"). By execution of this Agreement, Operator consents
to the receipt of such funds by PCBBFI or its successors, as well as the
expenditure thereof for advertising and marketing expenses. These expenses may
include costs for personnel, management fees, advertising agencies, operating
expenses, matching fund programs, research and development, administrative
expenses, production of educational or training materials, production of
commercials, focus groups or other studies, the purchase of television or radio
or other media time, print advertising, restaurant design studies or
modifications, consultants and such other marketing and advertising uses as may
be authorized by Franchisor. If there is a refusal or inability to participate
in such decisions by the Council or portions thereof, or if there are no elected
representatives of franchisees or subfranchisors, Franchisor is hereby granted
the power and authority to authorize expenditures of the fund without such
consultation or advice.
6.5.2 By execution of this agreement, Operator consents to the formation
and existence of the Pasta Central Brand Building Fund, Inc., its right and
privilege to seek voluntary contributions of 1% to 3% of gross sales, or any
higher fee or a flat fee if a sales percentage is not practical, from all PASTA
CENTRAL manufacturers, distributors, vendors and purveyors who sell products or
provide services to the PASTA CENTRAL System or Pasta Central Brand Building
Fund, Inc., and the system of authorizing utilization of these collections and
any resulting expenditures thereafter.
6.5.3 The Council of Pasta Central Suppliers is an association composed of
approved manufacturers, distributors and the Franchisor, established for the
purposes of improving communication between manufacturers and distributors, and
improving distribution and development of improved Authorized Products. This
Council reimburses Franchisor for employee and other expenses involved in the
distribution and manufacturing of Raw Materials. Operator consents to the
receipt of such funds by Franchisor;
6.5.4 Franchisor and certain manufacturers have established or may agree
to establish a research and development fund for improvement of specific
Authorized Products and Operator consents to Franchisor's receipt of
reimbursement funds arising from expenses incurred in such research and
development.
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6.5.5 In addition to the Advertising Fee, Operator agrees to spend a
minimum of $4,000 for its "Grand Opening" promotion as designated by Franchisor.
The "Grand Opening" event is required for all operators and functions to
introduce Operator's System Restaurant to the public. The application and use of
the "Grand Opening" funds shall be controlled by Franchisor's marketing
department.
6.5.6 During the first twelve months after the opening of its System
Restaurant, Operator agrees to implement an initial local restaurant marketing
plan which includes coupon and monthly events (the "Initial Program"). To fund
the Initial Program, commencing two weeks after the opening of its System
Restaurant, Operator agrees to pay Franchisor the sum of $2,000 by paying $40
per week for 50 consecutive weeks, in accordance with the procedures established
in Article 9. The application and use of the Initial Program funds shall be
controlled by Franchisor's marketing department or its designee.
ARTICLE 7. COMPANY MARKS AND ADDITIONAL MARKS.
7.1 The license and related rights to use the System, the Manuals,
Franchisor's Marks and any other proprietary products granted by this Agreement
are applicable only with respect to Operator's System Restaurant at the
Location, and not elsewhere, except in the event of a relocation approved in
writing by Franchisor. This Agreement does not authorize the use of mobile
vending vehicles, carts, kiosks or any other non-traditional delivery systems.
7.2 Operator shall not interfere in any manner with, or attempt to
prohibit, the use of Franchisor's Marks by any other Operator of Franchisor or
in connection with Nontraditional Pasta Central Restaurants, distribution points
or any other system used to distribute Pasta Central authorized or branded
products.
7.3 Franchisor may, from time to time, in Franchisor's sole discretion,
obtain additional trademark and/or service xxxx rights in words and/or designs.
In the event of any of these occurrences, Franchisor may license Operator to use
those trademarks or service marks by giving written notification to Operator
that such marks now form part of Franchisor's Marks. The term of such license
will be coextensive with the term of this Agreement or as otherwise established
by Franchisor, and will be subject to all restrictions with respect to the use
of those rights as set forth in this Agreement and in the notice granting
Operator the license.
ARTICLE 8. DISTRIBUTION AND PURCHASE OF EQUIPMENT,
SUPPLIES, AND OTHER PRODUCTS.
Operator agrees to use only Franchisor's approved products and portion
control formulas in the preparation of Authorized Products. Operator further
agrees to only buy Raw Materials, as defined below, manufactured in accordance
with Franchisor's specifications from approved manufacturers, distributed by
approved distributors, and sold to Operator as follows:
8.1 DEFINITIONS.
8.1.1 For the purpose of this Agreement, "distributor" is defined as any
entity, except a
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manufacturer, that directly or indirectly delivers raw materials to the
Operator. A "manufacturer" is defined as the entity that manufactures and/or
sells the raw materials to a distributor. Raw Materials means all of the
products purchased from distributors, and/or manufactured or sold by
manufacturers or production entities which are used in the creation of
Authorized Products. Raw Materials include, but are not limited to printed paper
goods, meats (cooked and uncooked), cheeses, produce, pastas (cooked or
uncooked), seafood, bakery products, grocery items, clothing, processed foods,
dressings, desserts, seasonings, spices, condiments, sauces, frozen entrees,
prepared entrees, packaged entrees, frozen meals, prepared meals, packaged meals
and such other items as designated by Franchisor as Raw Materials (collectively,
the "Raw Materials"). "Authorized" means approved by Franchisor in accordance
with the procedures established in this Agreement.
8.2 DISTRIBUTORS.
8.2.1 Operator acknowledges that it is generally unrealistic from a cost
and service basis to have more than one distributor in the market area of
Operator's System Restaurant, and that to obtain the lowest distribution costs,
all regional operators should only purchase from one authorized Pasta Central
distributor. Operator agrees to only purchase all equipment, supplies, Raw
Materials and other products and materials necessary for the operation of its
System Restaurant solely from Authorized distributors, and other authorized
sources who demonstrate, to the continuing reasonable satisfaction of
Franchisor, the ability to meet Franchisor's then-current standards and
specifications for such items; who possess adequate quality controls and
capacity to supply Operator and all other System operators needs promptly and
reliably; who demonstrate the ability and willingness to work with Franchisor to
provide the assistance needed by the those operators in the region and all other
System Operators; who agree to distribute all authorized Pasta Central products;
who comply with Franchisor's reasonable requirements; and who have been approved
in writing by Franchisor and not thereafter disapproved.
8.2.2 If Operator desires to purchase any items from an unapproved
distributor, whom Operator desires to become an Authorized distributor, Operator
shall first submit a written request, in duplicate, for such approval to
Franchisor, addressed to (i) President: 000 Xxxxxxxx, Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000,
and (iii) General Counsel, 000 Xxxxxxxx, Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000, accompanied
by a similar written request for approval from the proposed distributor.
Franchisor shall have the right to require that the proposed distributor provide
reasonable financial, operational and economic information regarding its
business and that Franchisor's representatives be permitted to inspect the
proposed distributor's facilities and establish economic terms, delivery,
service and other requirements consistent with other distribution relationships
for other system restaurants. The proposed distributor shall pay to Franchisor
in advance all of Franchisor's reasonable costs in review of the application of
the distributor to service the Operator as well as all current and future
reasonable costs related to inspecting and reinspecting the distributor's
facilities, equipment, Raw Materials in the distributor's possession at any
time. Franchisor may revoke its approval upon the distributor's failure to
continue to meet any of Franchisor's criteria. Nothing in this article shall
require Franchisor to approve any distributor. Upon the receipt by Franchisor of
Operator's and the proposed distributor's request for approval in full
compliance of this article and the completion of all of the inspections needed
by Franchisor to evaluate the distributor, Franchisor will notify Operator of
its decision within 90 days after the receipt of a completed request for
approval or the completion
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of inspections (if required). In the event an alternate approved distributor to
the recommended distributor is used by Operator, as a condition thereof Operator
and all other operators shall authorize the alternate distributor to provide to
Franchisor duplicate purchase invoices for Franchisor's records and inspection
purposes and to otherwise comply with Franchisor's reasonable requests.
8.3 MANUFACTURERS.
8.3.1 The parties agree that Franchisor's product specifications and
portion control system are highly confidential information and are trade secrets
of Franchisor. In order to (i) achieve appropriate pricing, (ii) obtain the
specially formulated Pasta Central authorized Raw Materials for Operator and all
of Franchisor's System Restaurants, and (iii) establish consistent uniformity of
Pasta Central products, Operator acknowledges that purchasing by all System or
regional operators from approved manufacturers is a necessity. Because of the
importance of quality and uniformity of product and the significance of product
specifications and portion control in the preparation of Authorized Products to
achieve and maintain such quality and uniformity, it is to the mutual benefit of
the parties that Franchisor closely control the production and distribution of
the Raw Materials used to produce authorized products sold by Operator. Similar
considerations may also apply to other products which Franchisor may develop in
the future. Operator therefore agrees to purchase only Raw Materials
manufactured in accordance with Franchisor's specifications and quality
standards by approved manufacturers who demonstrate, to the continuing
reasonable satisfaction of Franchisor, the ability to meet Franchisor's
then-current standards and specifications for such items; who possess adequate
quality controls and capacity to meet the needs of Operator and all other System
Operators in a given region or territory promptly and reliably; who demonstrate
the ability and willingness to work with Franchisor and to provide the
assistance needed by the Pasta Central System and who have been approved in
writing by Franchisor and not thereafter disapproved.
8.3.2 If Operator desires to purchase any items from an unapproved
manufacturer, who Operator desires to become an Authorized manufacturer,
Operator shall first submit a written request, in duplicate, for such approval
to Franchisor, addressed to (i) President: 000 Xxxxxxxx, Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx
00000 and (ii) to General Counsel, 000 Xxxxxxxx, Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
accompanied by a similar written request for approval from the proposed
manufacturer. Franchisor shall have the right to require that the proposed
manufacturer provide reasonable financial, operational and economic information
regarding its business and that Franchisor's representatives be permitted to
inspect the proposed distributor's facilities and establish economic terms,
delivery, service and other requirements consistent with other with other
manufacturing relationships for other system restaurants. The proposed
manufacturer shall pay to Franchisor in advance all of Franchisor's reasonable
costs in review of the application of the manufacturer to service the Operator
as well as all current and future reasonable costs related to inspecting and
reinspecting the manufacturer's facilities, equipment and Raw Materials at any
time. Franchisor may revoke its approval upon the manufacturer's failure to
continue to meet any of Franchisor's criteria. Nothing in this article shall
require Franchisor to approve any manufacturer. Upon the receipt by Franchisor
of Operator and the proposed manufacturer's request for approval in full
compliance of this article and the completion of all of the inspections needed
by Franchisor to evaluate the manufacturer, Franchisor will notify Operator of
its decision within 90 days after completion of such application and
inspections. If an alternate approved manufacturer to the recommended
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manufacturer is used by Operator, as a condition thereof Operator and all other
operators shall authorize the alternate manufacturer to provide to Franchisor
duplicate purchase invoices for Franchisor's records and inspection purposes and
to otherwise comply with Franchisor's reasonable requests.
8.4 PURCHASE OBLIGATIONS.
Operator agrees to purchase the following items from the approved distributor
and manufacturer designated by Franchisor:
8.4.1 all Branded Pasta Central Products that bear Franchisor's Marks;
Franchisor has a long term strategic plan to create another profit center for
Operator as to in-store sales in System Restaurants and by the sale of Pasta
Central branded products in other retail and wholesale locations, such as
supermarkets, grocery stores, etc. To accomplish this goal, Franchisor intends
to develop such products. To effectuate this long term strategy, Operator agrees
to cooperate with Franchisor with respect to the purchase, display and sale of
any Branded Products authorized for sale by Franchisor. Operator consents to the
receipt by Franchisor of licensing fees from manufacturers who manufacture
Branded Products, which fees compensate Franchisor for such use of Franchisor's
Marks.
8.4.2 certain Pasta Central standard exterior and interior signs; These
signs require the prior fabrication of sign molds or advance production in
quantity to be either affordable or promptly available. If Franchisor has
entered into an agreement with approved sign manufacturer(s), granting rights to
use Franchisor's Marks in connection with the signs and to sell such signs to
Pasta Central operators, Operator agrees to purchase its signs from the
authorized sign manufacturer(s).
8.4.3 Coca-Cola fountain service products: Franchisor has entered into an
exclusive agreement with the Coca-Cola Company to be the only approved fountain
service beverage supplier to the Pasta Central System. Operator agrees to only
use the fountain service Coca-Cola products authorized by Franchisor and no
other beverages, unless replacement or additional beverages are approved in
writing by Franchisor.
8.4.4 Operator agrees that at such times that Franchisor establishes a
regional or national purchasing program for any of the Raw Materials, which may
benefit Operator by reduced price, lower labor costs, production of improved
Authorized Product(s), increased reliability in supply, improved distribution,
Raw Material cost control (establishment of consistent pricing for reasonable
periods to avoid market fluctuations), improved operations by Operator or other
tangible benefits to Operator, Operator will participate in such purchasing
program in accordance with the terms of such program.
ARTICLE 9. CONTINUING FRANCHISE FEES, REPORTS,
BOOKS AND RECORDS.
9.1 CONTINUING FRANCHISE FEES.
9.1.1 Operator shall pay to Franchisor weekly during the term of this
Agreement and any
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renewals or extensions thereof, 6% of the weekly gross sales of Operator's
System Restaurant. For the purposes of this Agreement, "gross sales," means
gross revenues (excluding price discounts and allowances) received by Operator
as payment, whether in cash or for credit (and, if for credit, whether or not
payment is received therefor), for all beverages, food, and other goods,
services, and supplies including all sales from approved co-brands as described
in Article 23 sold in or from each of Operator's System Restaurants, and gross
revenues received by Operator from any other business (including, but not
limited to, all revenues from any mechanical or other device, such as vending or
game machines installed at the Location) operated at the Location, excluding
sales taxes.
9.1.2 At Franchisor's request, Operator shall promptly execute or
re-execute within five (5) days after Franchisor's request, and deliver to
Franchisor appropriate pre-authorized check forms or such other instruments or
drafts required by Franchisor's bank, payable against Operator's bank account,
to enable Franchisor to electronically (draft on Operator's account by
electronic withdrawal), collect the 6% and 4% (see Article 6) of gross sales
payable under the terms of this Agreement. At Franchisor's request, Operator
shall, within 5 days after such request, promptly perform such acts as to enable
Franchisor or its designee to connect its computers to Operator's computer(s) or
Operator's POS System so that Franchisor or its designee may electronically
obtain statistical information regarding Operator's business activities that
Franchisor may in its sole discretion may seek to obtain. Operator agrees to not
disconnect Franchisor or its designee from such connection or phone line at any
time, for any reason, without Franchisor's prior written approval. Operator
specifically authorizes Franchisor to either "upload" or "download" information
in and from or to its computers, cash registers or other such devices as allowed
by law, as it relates to the System Operation by internet, intranet and other
networks or other means as they become available.
9.1.3 Operator shall report its gross sales by telephone within two (2)
days after the end of each business week (currently Tuesday) or at such other
times as are established by Franchisor in its sole discretion. Operator shall
submit written weekly summaries showing results of its operations by the
following Saturday. If Operator fails to report its sales on a timely basis,
Franchisor may estimate the amount of Operator's sales. Franchisor will then
deposit or transfer the reported, or in the absence of a report, the estimated,
amounts due into its own account, using the System Operator's pre-authorized
checks or other instruments. If any draft, electronic or otherwise, is unpaid
because of insufficient funds or otherwise, then Operator shall pay Franchisor's
expenses arising from such non-payment, including bank fees in the amount of at
least $30, hourly staff charges arising from such default, and any other related
expenses incurred by Franchisor. By the 5th day of each month Operator shall pay
to Franchisor any sums unpaid for the prior month to adjust for sales owed for
any partial week or sales that were unpaid, improperly recorded or not credited
on Operators books and records. Operator hereby agrees to pay any sales, use or
other tax now or hereinafter imposed on franchise fees, advertising fees or any
additional rental collected under the sublease for the Location, imposed by any
Federal, state or local governmental authorities. Franchisor, at its sole
discretion, may collect the taxes in the same manner as franchise fees are
collected herein and if Franchisor collects such taxes, Franchisor shall
promptly pay the tax collections to the appropriate governmental authority.
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9.2 REPORTS AND INSPECTION OF RECORDS.
9.2.1 Operator shall submit to Franchisor a quarterly Profit and Loss
Statement, signed and certified by Operator. The Profit and Loss Statement shall
be prepared by a Certified or Public Accountant, in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles, and shall provide Operator's sales, expenses and
financial status with respect to Operator's System Restaurant. Operator shall
submit to Franchisor a copy of the original signed 1120 or 1120S tax form each
and every year or any other forms which take the place of the 1120 or 1120S
forms. Operator shall also provide Franchisor with copies of signed original
sales and use tax forms contemporaneously with their filing with the appropriate
state or local authority. Franchisor reserves the right to require such further
information concerning Operator's System Restaurant as Franchisor may from time
to time reasonably request.
9.2.2 Upon 10 days prior written notice, Franchisor, its agents or
representatives may audit Operator's books and records in accordance with
generally accepted standards established by certified public accountants. In
connection with such audit(s) or other operational visits, Operator agrees to
keep its cash receipts records, weekly and monthly control forms, accounts
payable records including all payments to Operator's suppliers in its System
Restaurant or at its business office for three (3) years after their due date,
which records shall be available for examination by Franchisor or its
representative(s), at Franchisor's request. Without any prior written notice,
Franchisor, its agents or representatives may inspect Operator's entire System
Restaurant and Operator's daily, weekly and monthly statistical information
("Redbook Information") which is required under the Operational Manual. Operator
shall make such Redbook Information available for such inspections in
recognition that an operational inspection cannot succeed without review of
essential statistical information.
9.2.3 If any audit or other investigation reveals an under-reporting or
under-recording error of five (5%) percent or more, then in addition to any
other sums due, the expenses of the audit/inspection shall be borne and paid by
Operator upon billing by Franchisor, plus interest at the highest compound rate
authorized by the state in which the System Restaurant is located, but not to
exceed the rate of fifteen (15%) percent per annum.
9.2.4 Operator acknowledges that Franchisor's Operations Department
regularly reviews ongoing operations at System Restaurants to ensure consistency
of products and service and compliance with the Manuals and this Agreement.
Operator therefore agrees to promptly complete and submit all forms requested by
Franchisor's Operations Department, whether on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.
Non-compliance with this obligation constitutes a material violation of this
Agreement.
ARTICLE 10. COVENANT REGARDING OTHER BUSINESS INTERESTS.
10.1 For purposes of this Article only, "Operator" shall mean and include
the individual Operator; Operator's spouse and minor children; Operator's
shareholders, officers, and directors, if Operator is a corporation; and any one
or more partners or participants in Operator, if Operator is a partnership or
joint venture, or members, if Operator is an LLC.
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10.2 Operator acknowledges that the Pasta Central System is unique and
distinctive and has been developed by Franchisor at great effort, time, and
expense, and that Operator has regular and continuing access to valuable and
confidential information, training, and trade secrets regarding the Pasta
Central System. Operator recognizes its obligations to keep confidential such
information as set forth herein. Operator therefore agrees as follows:
10.2.1 During the term of this Agreement, except with Franchisor's prior
written consent, Operator shall not, in any capacity whatsoever, either directly
or indirectly, individually or as a member of any business organization, engage
in the production or sale at retail or wholesale of any Italian type food
product or any other main course item authorized by Franchisor, now or in the
future approved by Franchisor for use in Operator's System Restaurant, or have
any employment or interest in any firm engaged in the production or sale of such
products.
10.2.2 Upon the termination, expiration or nonrenewal of this Agreement,
or if Operator assigns or transfers its interest herein to any person or
business entity, or if any person identified in the first paragraph of this
Article terminates its relationship with Operator, then for a period of sixty
(60) months thereafter such Operator shall not, in any capacity whatsoever,
either directly or indirectly, individually or as a member of any business
organization, engage in the production or sale at retail of any Italian type
food product, or have any employment or interest in any firm engaged in the
production or sale at retail or wholesale of any such products, at a site within
a radius of five (5) miles of any of Operator's former System Restaurants or
within five (5) miles of any other System Restaurant or Distribution Point then
existing, unless Franchisor gives its prior written consent. If Operator
violates the terms of this paragraph, Operator shall pay to Franchisor, as
liquidated damages, an amount equal to $5,000 per month for each month this
covenant is violated, plus six (6%) percent of the gross sales achieved at the
site during the continuation of such violation.
10.2.3 In the event any portion of the above covenants violates laws
affecting Operator, or is held invalid or unenforceable in a final judgment to
which Franchisor and Operator are parties, then the maximum legally allowable
restriction permitted by law shall control and bind Operator. Franchisor may at
any time unilaterally reduce the scope of any part of the above covenants, and
Operator shall comply with any such reduced covenant upon receipt of written
notice.
10.3 The provisions of this Article shall not limit, restrain or otherwise
affect any right or cause of action which may accrue to Franchisor for any
infringement of, violation of, or interference with, this Agreement, or
Franchisor's Marks, System, trade secrets, or any other proprietary aspects of
Franchisor's business.
ARTICLE 11. INTERFERENCE WITH EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS.
Without Franchisor's prior written consent, during the term of this
Agreement, Operator shall not employ or seek to employ, directly or indirectly,
any person serving in an executive, managerial or operational position who is at
the time or was at any time during the prior six (6) months employed by
Franchisor or any of its subsidiaries. Request for Franchisor's consent shall be
sent in duplicate and addressed in writing to Franchisor's Vice-President of
Operations and to its General Counsel.
17
ARTICLE 12. SUBFRANCHISORS, SALESMEN.
Inasmuch as this Agreement has not been executed by the Operator at the
office of Franchisor, Franchisor requires certain assurances that this Agreement
has been sold in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations.
Accordingly, in order to induce Franchisor to execute this Agreement, Operator
agrees to execute a Rider/Questionnaire to this agreement that acknowledges that
Franchisor is relying upon the acknowledgments, representations and commitments
of Operator that no other salesman, staff member, entity, or associate of
Franchisor has met Operator regarding this franchise sale or the offer and
acceptance thereof other than those set forth therein. The rider shall identify
all sales persons involved in the sales, negotiation and execution of this
Agreement and shall identify the subfranchisor. Franchisor shall be entitled to
rely on the Rider/Questionnaire, and Operator shall be bound by its contents.
ARTICLE 13. LOCAL RESTAURANT MARKETING MANUAL.
Operator acknowledges that Franchisor's local restaurant marketing ("LRM")
manual and other marketing and advertising materials emphasize the
implementation of marketing efforts within a 3-mile radius of Operator's System
Restaurant. Such references, suggestions and emphasis do not directly or
indirectly grant to Operator a protected market or other exclusive right within
such 3-mile marketing area, but rather reflects the reality that Operator's
local marketing activities should initially be commenced in the area immediately
adjacent to its System Restaurant and that such marketing activities may be in
competition with the marketing activities of other Pasta Central operators.
ARTICLE 14. NATURE OF INTEREST, AND TRANSFER.
14.1 GENERAL PROVISIONS.
14.1.1 This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the successors and
assigns of Franchisor. Franchisor shall have the right to transfer or assign
this Agreement to any person or legal entity who assumes its terms and agrees to
comply with Franchisor's obligations contained herein. Franchisor shall have no
liability for the performance of any obligations contained in this Agreement
after the effective date of such transfer or assignment.
14.1.2 The rights and duties created by this Agreement are personal to
Operator. Accordingly, except as otherwise permitted herein, neither Operator
nor any person with an interest in Operator shall, without Franchisor's prior
written consent, directly or indirectly sell, assign, transfer, convey, give
away, pledge, mortgage, or otherwise encumber any direct or indirect interest in
this Agreement or, if Operator is a partnership, joint venture, LLC or
corporation, any direct or indirect interest in Operator. Any such purported
assignment occurring by operation of law or otherwise without Franchisor's prior
written consent shall constitute a default of this Agreement by Operator, and
shall be null and void. Except in the instance of Operator advertising to sell
its System Restaurant pursuant to the terms hereof, Operator shall not, without
Franchisor's prior written consent, offer for sale or transfer at public or
private auction or advertise publicly for sale or transfer, the furnishings,
interior and exterior decor items, supplies, fixtures, equipment, Operator's
18
sublease or the real or personal property used in connection with Operator's
System Restaurant.
14.2 CONSENT TO TRANSFER.
For all proposed transfers or assignments of this Agreement, and transfers
of more than 51% of the outstanding and issued stock of Operator by one or more
transfers or any transfer which, directly or indirectly, effectively changes
management control of Operator, Franchisor will not unreasonably withhold its
consent to any transfer or assignment which is subject to the restrictions of
this Article, provided however, Franchisor shall not be required to give its
consent unless all of the following conditions are met prior to the effective
date of assignment:
14.2.1 Upon the execution of this Agreement and upon each direct or
indirect transfer of an interest in this Agreement or in Operator and at any
other time upon Franchisor's request, Operator shall, within five (5) days prior
to such transfer or at any other time at Franchisor's request, furnish
Franchisor with an estoppel agreement indicating any and all causes of action,
if any, that Operator may have against Franchisor or if none exist and a list of
all shareholders or partners having an interest in this Agreement or in
Operator, the percentage interest of each shareholder or partner, and a list of
all officers and directors, in such form as Franchisor may require.
14.2.2 Operator's written request for transfer of either a partial or
whole interest in this Agreement or Operator's System Restaurant must be
accompanied by an offer to Franchisor of a right of first refusal at the same
price offered by any bona fide buyer less five (5%) percent Franchisor shall
have the right and option, exercisable within fifteen (15) days after receipt of
such written notification, to send written notice to Operator or such person
that Franchisor or its third-party designee, intends to purchase the interest
which is proposed to be transferred, on the same terms and conditions offered by
the third party. If Franchisor accepts such offer, the five (5%) percent
transfer/administrative fee due by Operator in accordance with Article 3 shall
be waived by Franchisor. Any material change in the terms of an offer prior to
closing shall cause it to be deemed a new offer, subject to the same right of
first refusal by Franchisor, or its third-party designee, as in the case of the
initial offer. Franchisor's failure to exercise such option shall not constitute
a waiver of any other provision of this Agreement, including any of the
requirements of this Article with respect to the proposed transfer.
14.2.3 The Operator is not in default under the terms of this Agreement,
the Manuals or any other obligations owed Franchisor, and all of its then-due
monetary obligations to Franchisor have been paid in full.
14.2.4 The Operator and its shareholders or members, if the Operator is a
corporation or limited liability company, have executed a general release under
seal, in a form prescribed by Franchisor, of any and all claims against
Franchisor, its affiliates, subsidiaries, shareholders, directors, officers,
subfranchisors and employees.
14.2.5 The transferee/assignee has demonstrated to Franchisor's
satisfaction that it meets all of Franchisor's then-current requirements for new
operators or for holders of an interest in a franchise, including, without
limitation, possession of good moral character and reputation, satisfactory
credit ratings, acceptable business qualifications, and the ability to fully
comply with the
19
terms of this Agreement.
14.2.6 The transferee/assignee has assumed this Agreement by a written
assumption agreement approved by Franchisor, or has agreed to do so at closing,
and at closing executes an assumption agreement approved by Franchisor.
14.2.7 The transferee/assignee, its manager or other employees responsible
for the operation of the System Restaurant have satisfactorily completed
Franchisor's training program.
14.2.8 The transferee/assignee executes such other documents as Franchisor
may require, including a replacement franchise agreement on the then-standard
franchise agreement form used by Franchisor, in order to assume all of the
obligations of this Agreement, to the same extent, and with the same effect, as
previously assumed by the assignor.
14.2.9 At the completion of Operator's sale transaction, Operator shall
pay to Franchisor an administrative/transfer fee of five (5%) percent of the
gross selling price of Operators System Restaurant or in the event of a nonsale
management transfer, a fee of $1,500 to cover Franchisor's training expenses.
This five percent (5%) administrative transfer fee will not be due with respect
to any transfer that (together with all other related previous, simultaneous, or
proposed transfers) does not result in the transfer of control of Operator.
14.2.10 Operator's rights may pass to Operator's next of kin or legatee if
they assume Operator's obligations and attend and complete Franchisor's training
program. Upon Operator's disability, Operator may sell the franchise or keep it,
if operated by trained personnel.
14.2.11 Franchisor's consent to a transfer shall not constitute a waiver
of any claims it may have against the transferring party arising out of this
Agreement or otherwise.
14.2.12 If Operator is an individual, Franchisor hereby consents to the
assignment of this Agreement and any and all obligations referable thereto
without any fee charged by Franchisor to a corporation principally owned by
Operator within 90 days from the date hereof. Upon such assignment and
assumption by the corporation along with delivery of executed originals of same
to Franchisor, an individual Operator shall be released from any and all
personal liability.
ARTICLE 15. TERM, DEFAULT AND TERMINATION.
15.1 TERM.
15.1.1 Provided Operator is not in default of the terms and conditions
contained in its Location sublease and this Agreement, this Agreement shall
continue for a period of twenty (20) years or for any longer period coterminous
with the term of the Location sublease.
15.1.2 Operator may renew the rights granted by this Agreement for four
(4) additional terms of five (5) years each, subject to the following
conditions:
15.1.2.1 Operator gives Franchisor written notice of Operator's election
to renew not less
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than six (6) and not more than twenty-four (24) months before the end of the
then current term;
15.1.2.2 Operator is not in default of any provision of this Agreement or
any amendments to this Agreement, the Location sublease, the Manuals or any
monetary obligation owed to Franchisor or its affiliates; and
15.1.2.3 At Franchisor's request, Operator shall undertake and complete
the reasonable renovation or modernization of its System Restaurant.
15.1.2.4 Operator shall execute Franchisor's then-current franchise
agreement and related agreements.
15.2 DEFAULTS WITHOUT OPPORTUNITY TO CURE.
Operator shall be in default and Franchisor may, at its option, upon thirty (30)
days written notice to Operator, terminate this Agreement and all rights granted
by it, without affording Operator any opportunity to cure the default, upon the
occurrence of any of the following events:
15.2.1 Operator's knowingly or intentionally maintaining false books or
records, or submitting any false report or payment to Franchisor;
15.2.2 Operator's conduct of the System Restaurant licensed pursuant to
this Agreement is so contrary to this Agreement, the System and the Manuals as
to constitute an imminent danger to the public health (for example, selling
spoiled food knowing that the food products are spoiled or allowing a dangerous
condition arising from a lack of security for customers to continue despite
Operator's knowledge of such condition), or selling regularly unauthorized
products to the public after notice of default and continuing to sell such
products whether or not Operator has cured the default after one or more
notices;
15.2.3 The conviction of a felony, or a crime involving moral turpitude,
or any other crime or offense that is reasonably likely, in the sole reasonable
opinion of Franchisor, to adversely affect the System, Franchisor's Marks; the
goodwill associated with the System or Franchisor's interest in each of them by
Operator's, or its controlling or operating shareholders or members if Operator
is a limited liability company, or Operator's partners if Operator is a
partnership, excluding non-managing partners
15.2.4 Operator's intentional disclosure or use of the contents of the
Manual, trade secrets or confidential or proprietary information provided to
Operator by Franchisor in violation of this Agreement, excluding acts of
independent employees or others not under Operator's control; or
15.2.5 If Operator repeatedly commits defaults under any provisions of
this Agreement eight (8) or more occasions in any twelve (12) month period, or
sixteen (16) or more occasions in any consecutive twenty-four (24) month period,
even if Operator cured each such prior default, and even if Operator would
otherwise be given an opportunity to cure the current default.
15.2.6 Operator's, without Franchisor's consent, ceasing to operate or
otherwise
21
abandoning its System Restaurant or, upon destruction of its System Restaurant,
failure to rebuild and resume operation within a reasonable time. Cessation of
the business shall not constitute a default under this Agreement if caused by
condemnation, expiration of a Location lease pursuant to its terms at execution,
natural, governmental or supplier related causes out of Operator's control, or
when failure to rebuild following destruction of the System Restaurant is
prohibited by law or the Location lease. In the event of termination pursuant to
this paragraph 15.2.6, the written notice period shall commence five days from
the date Franchisor sends written notice to Operator. At the expiration of this
time period, this Agreement shall be deemed terminated. For purposes of this
article, ceasing to operate or otherwise abandoning its System Restaurant shall
be defined as Operator's failure to open its Pasta Central Restaurant for
business for five consecutive days.
15.3 DEFAULTS WITH OPPORTUNITY TO CURE.
15.3.1 Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, Operator shall have
ten (10) days after Franchisor's written notice of default within which to
remedy any default under this Agreement, and to provide evidence of such remedy
to Franchisor. If any such default is not cured within that time period, or such
longer time period as applicable law may require, Franchisor may, at its option,
terminate this Agreement and all rights granted by it, by sending a five (5) day
written notice of cancellation of this Agreement to Operator. Upon the
expiration of such five (5) day period, this Agreement shall end and expire as
if it were the day fixed for termination of this Agreement.
15.3.2 Operator shall be in material default under this Article for any
failure to comply with any of the requirements imposed by this Agreement. Such
material defaults shall include, without limitation, the occurrence of any of
the following events:
15.3.2.1 Operator's failure, refusal, or neglect to promptly pay any
monies owed to Franchisor, its subsidiaries or affiliates, when due, or to
submit the financial or other information required by Franchisor under this
Agreement.
15.3.2.2 Operator's failure to maintain the standards specified by
Franchisor in the Manual or otherwise.
15.3.2.3 Operator's failure, refusal or neglect to obtain Franchisor's
prior written approval or consent as required by this Agreement.
15.3.2.4 Operator's misuse or unauthorized use of Franchisor's Marks or
other material impairment of the goodwill associated therewith or Franchisor's
rights therein.
15.3.2.5 Operator's commencement or conducting of any business operation,
or marketing of any product, under a name or xxxx which, in Franchisor's
reasonable opinion, is confusingly similar to Franchisor's Marks.
15.3.2.6 Operator's default, without cure after the applicable grace
period, under any lease, sublease, sub-sublease, mortgage, or deed of trust
covering the Location.
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15.3.2.7 Operator's failure to procure or maintain the insurance required
by this Agreement or in the lease and sublease for the Location.
15.3.2.8 Operator's default in the performance of any term, condition or
obligation in payment of any indebtedness to its landlord or sublandlord,
distributors or suppliers or others arising out of the purchase of inventory,
supplies or purchase or lease of equipment for operation of its System
Restaurant, and if any such default is not cured within thirty (30) days after
written notice by Franchisor to Operator, unless Operator is determined by a
court of competent jurisdiction to be not in default.
15.4 In the event of a default by Operator, all of Franchisor's costs and
expenses arising from such default, including reasonable legal fees and
reasonable hourly charges of Franchisor's administrative employees shall be paid
to Franchisor by Operator within five (5) days after cure.
15.5 Notwithstanding the obligations of Operator and Franchisor to
arbitrate all disputes and other conflicts, Operator and Franchisor acknowledge
that certain defaults require immediate action to protect the appropriate party.
Accordingly, Franchisor and Operator each hereby consent to and authorize the
other party to apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for judicial
assistance in restraining and enjoining violations of this Agreement. Both
Franchisor or Operator are entitled to an injunction restraining Franchisor or
Operator from committing or continuing to commit any default, breach or
threatened breach of this Agreement, without showing or proving any actual
damage sustained by the party seeking such relief.
15.6 Non-enforcement by Franchisor of any violation of the terms of this
Agreement by Operator shall not constitute a waiver of such violation by
Franchisor nor shall Franchisor be deemed to have waived any of its rights to
enforce compliance by Operator of such breach or any other breach of this
Agreement.
ARTICLE 16. RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS UPON TERMINATION.
Upon the termination of Operator's rights granted under this Agreement, (whether
during the term of the Agreement or at its conclusion) the following apply:
16.1 Upon termination of this Agreement by lapse of time or by default,
Operator's right to use Franchisor's Marks, or any other xxxx distributed by
Franchisor or insignia or slogan used in connection therewith, or any
confusingly similar trademark, service xxxx, trade name or insignia shall cease.
Operator shall immediately discontinue use of Franchisor's Marks, System, and
color scheme. Operator shall at its own cost, make cosmetic changes to
Operator's System Restaurant from Franchisor's proprietary designs including,
but not limited to, the removal of all Pasta Central identifying materials and
distinctive Pasta Central cosmetic finishes, tile walls, interior wall coverings
and colors, exterior finishes and colors, signage and Pasta Central counter
equipment (which shall be deemed proprietary to Franchisor) from the Location as
Franchisor may reasonably direct.
16.2 Franchisor may retain all fees paid pursuant to this Agreement.
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16.3 Any and all obligations of Franchisor to Operator under this
Agreement shall immediately cease and terminate.
16.4 Any and all rights of Operator under this Agreement shall immediately
cease and terminate.
16.5 In no event shall a termination or expiration of this Agreement
affect Operator's obligations to take or abstain from taking any action in
accordance with this Agreement. The provisions of this Agreement which
constitute post-termination covenants and agreements including the obligation of
Franchisor and Operator to arbitrate any and all disputes shall survive the
termination or expiration of this Agreement.
16.6 Operator acknowledges and agrees that rights in and to Franchisor's
Marks and the use thereof shall be and remain the property of Franchisor.
16.7 If Operator has registered any of Franchisor's Marks or the name
Pasta Central as part of Operator's assumed, fictitious or corporate name,
Operator shall promptly amend such registration to delete Franchisor's Marks
therefrom.
16.8 Operator shall immediately pay any and all amounts owing to
Franchisor, its subsidiaries and affiliates.
16.9 Franchisor shall have the option, exercisable by written notice
within thirty (30) days after the termination of this Agreement, to take an
assignment of all telephone numbers (and associated listings) for Operator's
System Restaurant. Operator is not entitled to any compensation from Franchisor
if Franchisor exercises this option.
ARTICLE 17. INSURANCE.
17.1 Operator shall obtain and maintain insurance coverage which shall in
each instance designate Franchisor, and its subsidiaries, as an additional named
insured, with an insurance company approved by Franchisor, which approval shall
not be unreasonably withheld as follows:
17.1.1 Comprehensive general liability insurance (including products
liability and sexual harassment coverage); with coverage of $1,000,000 to
$3,000,000 combined single limit for death, personal injury, and $100,000
property damage coverage.
17.1.2 Business interruption insurance, including Location rentals and
Additional Rentals for twelve (12) months after casualty, in amounts equal to at
least $100,000.
17.1.3 Workers' compensation insurance (coverage B) as required by
applicable law.
17.1.4 Fire, windstorm and extended coverage insurance, insuring the
construction of improvements and completed System Restaurant operated by
Operator, for the full replacement value thereof.
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17.1.5 If Operator establishes a delivery service for Authorized Products,
Operator shall obtain separate non-owned auto coverage insurance. Operator may
not directly or indirectly deliver any Authorized Products until such insurance
is obtained and Franchisor named as additional insured therein.
17.2 In the event of damage to the System Restaurant covered by insurance,
the proceeds of any such insurance shall be used to restore the System
Restaurant to its original condition as soon as possible, unless such
restoration is prohibited by the Location lease or Franchisor has otherwise
consented to in writing. Upon obtaining such insurance, Operator shall promptly
provide to Franchisor proof of such insurance coverage and/or at such other
times upon the request of Franchisor.
17.3 Operator shall, prior to opening its System Restaurant, file with
Franchisor, certificates of such insurance and shall promptly pay all premiums
on the policies as they become due. In addition, the policies shall contain a
provision requiring thirty (30) days prior written notice to Franchisor of any
proposed cancellation, modification, or termination of insurance. If Operator
fails to obtain and maintain the required insurance, Franchisor may, at its
option, in addition to any other rights it may have, procure such insurance for
Operator without notice and Operator shall pay, upon demand, the premiums and
Franchisor's costs in taking such action.
ARTICLE 18. SOLE OBLIGATIONS OF FRANCHISOR.
18.1 As described in Franchisor's Uniform Franchise Offering Circular (the
"UFOC"), received by Operator at least ten (10) business days prior to the
execution of this Agreement, Franchisor has obligated itself to provide specific
services to Operator. Franchisor also provides other voluntary services at its
sole discretion. Franchisor and Operator agree that the following are the only
required obligations of Franchisor:
18.1.1 To approve the Location of Operator.
18.1.2 To reasonably assist Operator with any operational or financial
problem encountered by Operator, after notice to Franchisor in duplicate sent
to: (i) Franchisor c/o General Counsel, 000 Xxxxxxxx - 00xx Xxxxx, Xxx Xxxx, Xxx
Xxxx 00000; and (ii) Vice President - Operations, 0000 Xxx Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxx 000,
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx 00000 by certified mail (return receipt requested) or at any
subsequent addresses established by Franchisor, of Operator's problem and the
type of assistance needed. At no time shall reasonable assistance be interpreted
to require Franchisor to pay any money to Operator. Franchisor, in its sole
discretion, may provide any assistance at Franchisor's designated office or upon
Franchisor's election where Operator is located, at a time to be determined by
Franchisor.
18.1.3 To reasonably administer to the advertising program. Operator
acknowledges that pursuant to the advice of advertising and marketing
professionals, advertising collections will at times be aggregated until
sufficient revenues are accumulated to commence or complete an advertising or
marketing program. Reasonable administration shall be deemed to be good faith
attempts to utilize the advertising funds in accordance with the advice and
suggestions of the advertising and marketing staff or outside advertising and/or
marketing companies, consultants or
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other entities retained for such purpose.
18.1.4 To assist Operator in arranging for the initial financing of its
System Restaurant, if feasible and necessary (Franchisor is not directly or
indirectly responsible for the failure of Operator to meet the qualifying
standards of such independent financing sources).
18.1.5 To supply to Operator a set of standard decor and layout plans and
to thereafter approve the initial decor and layout of Operator's System
Restaurant.
18.1.6 To loan Operator a copy of its Operations Manual or computer
diskette thereof, which manual contains mandatory and suggested specifications,
standards and procedures. This Manual is confidential and remains Franchisor's
property.
18.1.7 To train Operator in accordance with Article 3 herein, and to
provide representatives of Franchisor to assist in opening the System
Restaurant.
18.2 Franchisor shall not, and can not be held in breach of this Agreement
until (i) Franchisor has received notice of any alleged breach from Operator in
duplicate, by registered mail, sent to the parties set forth in subparagraph
18.1.2 of this Article; and (ii) Franchisor has failed to remedy the breach
within a reasonable period of time after such notice, which period shall not be
less than sixty (60) days. This is a material term of this Agreement and may not
be modified or changed by any arbitrator in an arbitration proceeding or
otherwise in any court of competent jurisdiction.
ARTICLE 19. POINT OF SALE SYSTEM, COLLECTION OF DATA.
19.1 This Agreement and the Manuals require the submission of weekly
statistical control forms as well as other financial, operational and
statistical information required by Operator and Franchisor to: (i) assist
Operator in the operation of its System Restaurant in accordance with the
System; (ii) allow Franchisor to monitor the Operator's gross sales, purchases,
costs and expenses; (iii) enable Franchisor to develop chainwide statistics
which may improve bulk purchasing; (iv) assist Franchisor in the development of
new authorized products or the removal of existing unsuccessful Authorized
Products; (v) enable Franchisor to refine existing Authorized Products; (vi)
generally improve chainwide understanding of the System; and (vii) obtain new
types of information unknown at this time (collectively, the "Information"). To
achieve these results, cash collection and data processing systems are
necessary.
19.2 Operator agrees to purchase and use the point of sale cash collection
and data processing system (the "POS System") and only the specified software
authorized by Franchisor, as specified in the Construction and Equipment Manual
or otherwise by Franchisor in writing. The POS System includes a PC based cash
register with touch screen keyboard, register tape printer, magnetic strip
reader, electronic cash drawer, defined Franchisor polling and register software
and telecommunications equipment.
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19.3 Operator agrees to (i) connect the POS System to Operator's telephone
line(s); (ii) maintain it in good working order; and (iii) not disconnect any
POS System connection or phone line at any time, for any reason, without prior
written approval. Operator agrees, at Franchisor's request, to maintain
membership in a designated third party network (such as Compuserve, AOL,
Prodigy, etc.) for the purpose of implementing, transmitting, collecting and
maintaining any Information or data exchange system.
Operator specifically authorizes Franchisor to either "upload" or
"download" information in and from or to its computers, cash registers or other
such devices as allowed by law, as it relates to the System Operation by
internet, intranet and other networks and other means as they become available.
19.4 Operator agrees to pay to Franchisor up to $13 weekly (subject to
reasonable annual increases), in the manner provided under Article 9 herein, for
support service for the POS System software during the term of its franchise and
any renewals. This fee will be collected by Franchisor for payment to 3rd party
suppliers who are designated to provide the support service. The 3rd party
suppliers will provide 24-hour telephone support and annual maintenance for any
upgrades and enhancements that they make to the required POS System software.
Franchisor may cancel this service on 30 days' written notice to Operator, and
may resume this service at any time with any supplier Franchisor chooses.
Franchisor may revise the POS System specifications. Operator may be required to
upgrade or update its POS System. On Franchisor's request, Operator must apply
for and maintain debit card, credit card or other non-cash payment systems to
enable customers to purchase products through these procedures. There is no
contractual limitation on Franchisor's right to receive information through the
POS System.
ARTICLE 20. RELATIONSHIP OF PARTIES, DISCLOSURE.
20.1 Franchisor and Operator are not and shall not be considered joint
ventures, partners, or agents of each other, or anything other than Franchisor
and Operator, and neither shall have the power to bind or obligate the other
except specifically as set forth in this Agreement. Franchisor and Operator
agree that the relationship created by this Agreement is not a fiduciary
relationship. Operator shall not, under any circumstances, act or hold itself
out as an agent or representative of Franchisor. Operator agrees to indemnify
and hold Franchisor harmless from any claims, demands, liabilities, actions
suits or proceedings asserted by third parties arising out of the operation of
Operator's System Restaurant or Operator's breach of any of the terms of this
Agreement. Franchisor agrees to indemnify and hold Operator harmless from any
claims, demands, liabilities, actions suits or proceedings asserted by third
parties and arising out of Franchisor's operations unless caused by Operator.
20.2 As set forth in the UFOC delivered to Operator as described above,
Operator acknowledges that Franchisor has entered into certain subfranchise
agreements with subfranchisors and/or area developers in certain areas and
territories. Pursuant to these contracts, the subfranchisors of Franchisor are
obligated to provide certain sales, operational and support services for
Franchisor. Operator acknowledges that the relationship between Franchisor and
all of its subfranchisors and/or
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area developers is strictly contractual and that no subfranchisor and/or area
developer is an agent of Franchisor. Accordingly, Operator acknowledges and
agrees that any past, current or future subfranchisor is not the actual, express
or implied agent of Franchisor, and has no power or authority to: (i) act on
Franchisor's behalf; (ii) enter into or execute any agreement on Franchisor's
behalf; (iii) make any representation or promise on Franchisor's behalf; or (iv)
bind Franchisor in any way. Unless otherwise specifically agreed to in writing,
Franchisor expressly disavows any acts by others, including subfranchisors, that
purport to bind Franchisor in any way. Operator agrees to waive any claim or
defense in any litigation or arbitration proceeding that a subfranchisor is the
express or implied agent of Franchisor. Operator agrees that any attempt to
raise, assert or justify such claim or defense in any proceeding constitutes a
material default of this Agreement.
ARTICLE 21. DISPUTE RESOLUTION:
ARBITRATION AND LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
21.1 Franchisor and Operator acknowledge that disputes or disagreements
may arise during the term of this Agreement and any renewals thereto. Franchisor
and Operator have elected to resolve such disputes or disagreements in a
non-judicial alternative dispute resolution format ("ADR"). An ADR format
minimizes the expense of dispute resolution and generally can be accomplished in
a more expeditious and effective manner. By agreeing to an ADR format, both
Operator and Franchisor are also waiving a number of rights, remedies and
privileges which may arise in a judicial resolution format. In view, however, of
the continuing relationship between Operator and Franchisor over the original
and renewal terms of this Agreement, both Operator and Franchisor agree that an
ADR format is the most economical, efficient and practical way to resolve
disputes and disagreements.
21.2 Accordingly, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, in the
event of any dispute or disagreement between Franchisor and Operator with
respect to any issue arising out of or relating to this Agreement, its breach,
its interpretation or any other disagreement between Operator and Franchisor,
such dispute or disagreement shall be resolved by arbitration. In the event of
any dispute or disagreement, Operator and Franchisor both agree to submit the
dispute to arbitration in accordance with the least expensive procedure of the
American Arbitration Association ("AAA"), and the application for such
arbitration shall be filed in the AAA's New York City office. Franchisor and
Operator agree that the hearing(s) shall be held in the City of New York, State
of New York before one Arbitrator. This paragraph shall not apply to any
monetary defaults of Operator, including Operator's obligation to pay franchise
and advertising fees to Franchisor, and Franchisor shall be free to utilize any
right or remedy it may have at law or equity.
21.3 Franchisor and Operator agree that this Agreement evidences a
transaction involving interstate commerce and that the enforcement of this
arbitration provision and the confirmation of any award issued to either party
by reason of an arbitration conducted pursuant to this arbitration provision is
governed by the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. ss. 1 et seq.
21.4 Punitive or exemplary damages or attorney's fees may not be awarded
by the arbitrator(s), and any such award shall not be enforceable or enforced by
any court. Except as otherwise provided, each party shall bear its own
attorneys' fees, expert witness fees, and other court or arbitration costs
incurred in connection with any legal action or arbitration between
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Franchisor and Operator. If the waiver of punitive or exemplary damages or legal
fees and related costs are in violation of the laws of the state where the
Operator's System Restaurant is located, such claims may be awarded by the
arbitrator(s), and any such award shall be enforceable or enforced in any court
of appropriate jurisdiction. This Agreement shall be strictly construed in the
arbitration hearing. In no event can the material provisions of this Agreement
including, but not limited to the method of operation, Authorized Product line
or monetary obligations specified in this Agreement, amendments to this
Agreement or in the Manuals be modified or changed by the arbitrator at the
arbitration hearing.
21.5 Except for a proceeding for injunctive relief (including temporary
restraining orders, preliminary injunction, injunctions or similar relief which
must be brought in an appropriate local forum), any legal proceeding authorized
by this Agreement shall be commenced only in the Federal District Court for the
Southern District of New York, and both Franchisor and Operator consent to the
jurisdiction in the Federal District Court for the Southern District of New
York. In the event the parties do not meet the jurisdictional requirements for
Federal Court, the parties consent to jurisdiction in the Supreme Court, New
York County, State of New York. Operator agrees that mailing to its last known
address by certified mail of any process shall constitute lawful and valid
process. In all cases, Operator and Franchisor each waives any right to a trial
by jury. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the laws of the state where
Operator's System Restaurant is located require jurisdiction of the courts of
that state or control by the laws of that state, then this Agreement shall be
deemed modified to comply with the applicable laws.
21.6 The terms of this article shall survive termination, expiration or
cancellation of this Agreement.
ARTICLE 22. EXECUTION, REQUESTS, CONSENTS AND WAIVERS.
22.1 This Agreement takes effect upon its acceptance and execution by
Operator and Franchisor, and shall be governed by and construed in accordance
with the laws of the State of New York, USA. Franchisor will consider written
requests by Operator for Franchisor's consent to a waiver of any obligation
imposed by this Agreement. Operator agrees, however, that Franchisor is not
required to act uniformly with respect to waivers, requests and consents as each
request will be considered on a case by case basis, and nothing shall be
construed to require Franchisor to grant any such request. Any waiver granted by
Franchisor shall be without prejudice to any other rights Franchisor may have,
will be subject to continuing review by Franchisor, and may be revoked, in
Franchisor's sole discretion, at any time and for any reason, effective upon ten
(10) days prior written notice to Operator. Franchisor makes no warranties or
guarantees upon which Operator may rely, and assumes no liability or obligation
to Operator by providing any waiver, approval, consent, assistance, or
suggestion to Operator in connection with this Agreement, or by reason of any
neglect, delay, or denial of any request.
22.2 Unless otherwise provided, whenever this Agreement requires Operator
to obtain Franchisor's prior written consent, Operator shall timely address its
written request for such consent in duplicate to the parties set forth in
paragraph 2 of Article 18 or such other persons as Franchisor may designate in
writing. Franchisor will then consider such request and advise Operator of the
decision, in writing, within forty-five (45) days. Franchisor's failure to
advise Operator will
29
constitute Franchisor's consent to such request. The forty-five (45) day period
shall not begin to run, however, until Operator has provided Franchisor with all
information and documentation requested by Franchisor. Neither Operator nor
Franchisor shall be deemed to have waived or impaired any right, power or option
reserved by this Agreement, including, without limitation, its right to demand
strict compliance with every term, condition, and covenant herein, or to declare
any breach thereof a default and to terminate this Agreement prior to the
expiration of its term, by virtue of any custom or practice of the parties at
variance with the terms hereof; by any forbearance, delay, failure, or omission
to exercise any right, power, or option, whether of the same, similar, or
different nature, against Franchisor, Operator, or any other operator; or by the
acceptance of any payments due after any breach of this Agreement.
ARTICLE 23. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.
23.1 This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of
which, when so executed and delivered, shall be deemed an original, but such
counterparts together shall constitute but one and the same instrument.
23.2 This Agreement contains the entire agreement of the parties and
cannot be modified, changed or amended except in writing and signed by
Franchisor.
23.3 There is no other agreement, representation or warranty made by
Franchisor or any other entity or person associated with Franchisor other than
contained in this Agreement. This Agreement is not subject to or conditioned
upon the obtaining of a Location for Operator's System Restaurant.
23.4 Except as otherwise provided, each party shall bear its own
attorneys' fees arising from the negotiations and execution or lack of execution
of this Agreement.
23.5 Each article, paragraph, subparagraph, term, and condition of this
Agreement shall be considered severable. If for any reason, any portion of this
Agreement is determined to be invalid or in conflict with any law or rule in a
final ruling issued by any court, agency, or tribunal with valid jurisdiction in
a proceeding to which Franchisor is a party, that ruling shall not effect the
validity or enforceability of any other portion of this Agreement.
23.6 All notices to Franchisor required by the terms of this Agreement,
unless otherwise provided, shall be sent by certified or registered mail or by
overnight delivery service, addressed to the parties set forth in this
Agreement, or at such other address as Franchisor designates. All notices to
Operator required by the terms of this Agreement shall be sent by certified or
registered mail or by overnight delivery service, addressed to Operator at the
Location, or at such other or additional address as Operator designates in
writing. If Operator refuses acceptance of any certified, registered or
overnight delivery, acceptance shall be deemed to have occurred forty-eight (48)
hours after rejection of such notice.
23.7 Operator acknowledges that the evolution of the System requires the
development of Nontraditional Pasta Central Restaurants, and Pasta Central
Distribution Points and Branded Products.
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23.8 For the purpose of this article, a co-brand shall be defined as an
independent operating system owned by another entity (not Franchisor) that is
incorporated as an operational part within the Operator's System Restaurant. An
example would be an independent ice cream/yogurt operation installed within
Operator's System Restaurant. Subject to Franchisor's prior written approval,
Operator may install approved co-branding marketing systems to be operated in
conjunction with Operator's System Restaurant. Franchisor shall not be required
to approve any co-branding marketing system unless Franchisor has recognized
that co-branding system as an approved co-brand for operation within its system
restaurants, either nationally or regionally. Inasmuch as Operator and its
employees will be incorporating the co-brand within its System Restaurant, all
sales of the co-brand shall be included within the definition of "gross sales"
in Article 9 herein and Operator shall pay to Franchisor franchise and
advertising fees for such sales.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereof have executed this Agreement as of
the date of execution by Franchisor.
PASTA CENTRAL CO., an unincorporated
division of Blimpie International, Inc.
__________________________ By:_______________________________________
Date Signed Vice President
Corporation
___________________________ By:_______________________________________
Date Signed Name, President
By execution of this Agreement, the undersigned stockholder(s) of the corporate
Operator, or members of the LLC, or the individual Operator hereby personally
accepts and agrees to comply with Article 10 of this Agreement and acknowledges
that the Franchisor has executed this Agreement in reliance upon the commitments
contained in this Paragraph.
__________________________________________
Name
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