Exhibit 10.4
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY
FRANCHISE AGREEMENT
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Franchisee:
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Date:
!
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Franchised
Location:
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ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC.
FRANCHISE AGREEMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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1.
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PURPOSE
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1
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2.
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GRANT OF
FRANCHISE
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1
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2.1.
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Grant of
Franchise
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1
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2.2.
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Scope of
Franchise Operations
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1
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3.
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FRANCHISED
LOCATION AND DESIGNATED AREA
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2
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3.1.
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Franchised
Location
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2
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3.2.
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Limitation on
Franchise Rights; Relocation
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2
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3.3.
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Franchisor’s Reservation of
Rights
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2
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4.
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INITIAL
FRANCHISE FEE
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3
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4.1.
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Initial
Franchise Fee
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3
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5.
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DEVELOPMENT OF
FRANCHISED LOCATION
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3
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5.1.
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Approval of
Lease
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3
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5.2.
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Conversion and
Design
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4
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5.3.
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Signs
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4
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5.4.
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Equipment
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4
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5.5.
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Permits and
Licenses
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5
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5.6.
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Commencement of
Operations
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5
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6.
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TRAINING
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5
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6.1.
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Initial
Training Program
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5
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6.2.
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Length of
Training
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6
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6.3.
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Additional
Training
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6
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7.
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DEVELOPMENT
ASSISTANCE
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6
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7.1.
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Franchisor’s Development
Assistance
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6
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8.
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OPERATIONS
MANUAL
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7
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8.1.
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Operations
Manual
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7
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8.2.
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Confidentiality
of Operations Manual Contents
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7
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8.3.
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Changes to
Operations Manual
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7
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9.
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OPERATING
ASSISTANCE
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8
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9.1.
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Franchisor’s Services
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8
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9.2.
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Additional
Franchisor Services
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8
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10.
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FRANCHISEE’S OPERATIONAL
COVENANTS
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8
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10.1.
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Store
Operations
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8
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11.
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ROYALTIES
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11
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11.1.
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Monthly
Royalty
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11
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11.2.
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Gross Retail
Sales
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12
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11.3.
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Royalty
Payments
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12
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11.4.
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Authorization
for Prearranged Payments by Electronic Transfer
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12
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12.
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ADVERTISING
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13
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12.1.
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Approval of
Advertising
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13
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12.2.
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Local
Advertising
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13
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12.3.
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Marketing and
Promotion Fee
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13
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12.4.
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Regional
Advertising Programs
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14
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12.5.
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Marketing
Services
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14
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13.
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QUALITY
CONTROL
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15
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13.1.
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Compliance with
Operations Manual
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15
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13.2.
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Standards and
Specifications
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15
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13.3.
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Inspections
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15
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13.4.
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Restrictions on
Services and Products
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15
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13.5.
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Approved
Suppliers
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16
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13.6.
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Request to
Change Supplier
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16
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13.7.
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Approval of
Intended Supplier
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16
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14.
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TRADEMARKS,
TRADE NAMES AND PROPRIETARY INTERESTS
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16
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14.1.
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Marks
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16
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14.2.
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No Use of Other
Marks
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17
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14.3.
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Licensed
Methods
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17
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14.4.
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Effect of
Termination
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17
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14.5.
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Mark
Infringement
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17
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14.6.
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Franchisee’s Business Name
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17
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14.7.
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Change of
Marks
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18
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14.8.
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Creative
Ownership
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18
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15.
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REPORTS,
RECORDS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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18
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15.1.
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Franchisee
Reports
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18
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15.2.
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Annual
Financial Statements
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19
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15.3.
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Verification
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19
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15.4.
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Books and
Records
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19
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15.5.
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Audit of Books
and Records
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19
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15.6.
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Failure to
Comply with Reporting Requirements
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19
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15.7.
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Shopping
Service
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20
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16.
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TRANSFER
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20
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16.1.
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Transfer by
Franchisee
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20
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16.2.
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Pre-Conditions
to Franchisee’s Transfer
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20
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16.3.
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Franchisor’s Approval of
Transfer
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21
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16.4.
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Right of First
Refusal
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21
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16.5.
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Types of
Transfers
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22
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16.6.
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Transfer by the
Franchisor
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22
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16.7.
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Franchisee’s Death or
Disability
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22
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17.
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TERM AND
EXPIRATION
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23
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17.1.
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Term
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23
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17.2.
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Continuation
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23
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17.3.
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Rights Upon
Expiration
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23
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17.4.
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Exercise of
Option for Successor Franchise
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23
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17.5.
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Conditions of
Refusal
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24
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18.
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DEFAULT AND
TERMINATION
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24
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18.1.
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Termination by
Franchisor — Effective Upon Notice
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24
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18.2.
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Termination by
Franchisor — Thirty Days Notice
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25
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18.3.
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Franchisor’s Remedies
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26
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18.4.
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Right to
Purchase
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26
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18.5.
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Obligations of
Franchisee Upon Termination or Expiration
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27
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18.6.
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State and
Federal Law
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28
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19.
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BUSINESS
RELATIONSHIP
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29
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19.1.
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Independent
Businesspersons
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29
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19.2.
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Payment of
Third Party Obligations
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29
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19.3.
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Indemnification
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29
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20.
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RESTRICTIVE
COVENANTS
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29
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20.1.
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Non-Competition
During Term
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29
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20.2.
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Post-Termination Covenant Not to
Compete
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30
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20.3.
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Confidentiality
of Proprietary Information
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30
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20.4.
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Confidentiality
Agreement
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31
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21.
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INSURANCE
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31
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21.1.
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Insurance
Coverage
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31
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21.2.
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Proof of
Insurance Coverage
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31
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22.
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MISCELLANEOUS
PROVISIONS
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31
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22.1.
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Governing
Law/Consent to Venue and Jurisdiction
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31
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22.2.
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Cumulative
Rights
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32
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22.3.
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Modification
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32
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22.4.
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Entire
Agreement
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32
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22.5.
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Delegation by
the Franchisor
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32
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22.6.
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Effective
Date
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32
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22.7.
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Review of
Agreement
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33
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22.8.
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Attorneys’ Fees
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33
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22.9.
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Injunctive
Relief
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33
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22.10.
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No
Waiver
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33
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22.11.
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No Right to Set
Off
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33
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22.12.
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Invalidity
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33
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22.13.
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Notices
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33
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22.14.
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Payment of
Taxes
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34
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22.15.
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Acknowledgement
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34
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EXHIBITS
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I.
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Addendum to Franchise Agreement
— Location Approval
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II.
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Personal Guaranty
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III.
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Statement of Ownership
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IV.
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Addendum to Franchise Agreement
Related to the Authorization of Prearranged Payments
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V.
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Permit, License and Construction
Certificate
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VI.
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Confidentiality and Noncompetition
Agreement
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ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC.
FRANCHISE AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT
(the “ Agreement ”) is made this ___day of ___,
20___, by and between ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC., a
Colorado corporation, located at 265 Turner Drive, Durango,
Colorado 81303 (the “ Franchisor ”) and ______,
located at ______(the “ Franchisee ”), who, on
the basis of the following understandings and agreements, agree as
follows:
1. PURPOSE
1.1 The Franchisor has developed methods for establishing,
operating and promoting retail stores selling gourmet chocolates
and other premium confectionery products (“ ROCKY MOUNTAIN
CHOCOLATE FACTORY Stores ” or “ Stores
”) using the service mark “ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE
FACTORY” and related trade names and trademarks (“
Marks ”) and the Franchisor’s proprietary
methods of doing business (the “ Licensed Methods
”).
1.2. The Franchisor grants the right to others to develop
and operate ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Stores, under the
Marks and pursuant to the Licensed Methods.
1.3. The Franchisee desires to establish a ROCKY MOUNTAIN
CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store at a location identified herein or to be
later identified, and the Franchisor desires to grant the
Franchisee the right to operate a ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY
Store at such location under the terms and conditions which are
contained in this Agreement.
2. GRANT OF FRANCHISE
2.1. Grant of
Franchise.
The
Franchisor grants to the Franchisee, and the Franchisee accepts
from the Franchisor, the right to use the Marks and Licensed
Methods in connection with the establishment and operation of a
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store, at the location described
in Article 3 of this Agreement. The Franchisee agrees
to use the Marks and Licensed Methods, as they may be changed,
improved, and further developed by the Franchisor from time to
time, only in accordance with the terms and conditions of this
Agreement.
2.2. Scope of Franchise
Operations.
The
Franchisee agrees at all times to faithfully, honestly and
diligently perform the Franchisee’s obligations hereunder,
and to continuously exert best efforts to promote the ROCKY
MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store. The Franchisee agrees to utilize
the Marks and Licensed Methods to operate all aspects of the
business franchised hereunder in accordance with the methods and
systems developed and prescribed from time to time by the
Franchisor, all of which are a part of the Licensed Methods. The
Franchisee’s ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store shall
offer such products and services as the Franchisor shall designate
and shall be restricted from manufacturing, offering or selling any
products or services not previously approved by the Franchisor in
writing. The Franchisee is required to devote a minimum of 50% of
all retail display space to ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY brand
assorted bulk chocolates and boxed and packaged candies. The
Franchisee’s ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store must
feature ROCKY
MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY brand
candy manufactured by the Franchisor or its designees (“
Factory Candy ”) and related nonconfectionery items
(“ Items ”) approved by the Franchisor in
writing. Depending on the retail environment and the configuration
of the Store, the Franchisee may also be permitted to make, offer
and sell store-made candies (“ Store Candy ”)
prepared in accordance with recipes and techniques set forth in the
Operations Manual, as that term is defined in Section 8.1 .
Some Stores do not offer Store Candy.
3. FRANCHISED LOCATION AND DESIGNATED
AREA
3.1. Franchised
Location.
The
Franchisee is granted the right and franchise to own and operate
one ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store at the address and
location which shall be set forth in Exhibit I ,
attached hereto (“ Franchised Location ”). The
type of Store configuration shall also be set forth in
Exhibit I , attached hereto. Some smaller Stores are
designated as “ Kiosks ” or “ Kiosk
Stores ” in this Agreement and all references to
“Stores” include Kiosk Stores.
3.2. Limitation on
Franchise Rights; Relocation.
The
rights that are hereby granted to the Franchisee are for the
specific Franchised Location and cannot be transferred to an
alternative Franchised Location, or any other location, without the
prior written approval of the Franchisor. If the Franchisee has
operated a ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store for not less than
12 months and desires to relocate it to an alternative site,
the Franchisee must set forth its reasons for requesting the
relocation in writing to the Franchisor, along with a proposed new
location. The Franchisor will have 30 days from receipt of the
Franchisee’s written request to respond. If the Franchisor
approves the relocation and the proposed new location, and if the
ownership of the Franchisee does not change in any respect from the
ownership of the Franchisee before the relocation, then the
Franchisee may move its Store to the new approved location,
provided that the Franchisee signs the Franchisor’s then
current form of Franchise Agreement and opens the Store at the new
location within 12 months after the Store closes at its former
Franchised Location. In addition, the Franchisee will be required
to pay a nonrefundable design fee of $2,500 to the Franchisor for
the Franchisor’s Store designers to design the layout of the
Franchisee’s new Store location. A similar design fee will
also apply if the Franchisee requests design assistance in
remodeling its Store at any time during the term of this Agreement.
See Section 5.2 below. The Marks and Licensed Methods
are licensed to the Franchisee for the operation of the ROCKY
MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store only at the Franchised Location;
therefore, the Franchisee may not operate food carts, participate
in food festivals or offer any other type of off-site food services
using the Marks and Licensed Methods without the prior written
consent of the Franchisor, in which case the Franchisor and the
Franchisee shall execute an addendum to this Agreement relating to
the operation of “ Satellite Stores ” (if this
Agreement governs the operation of a traditional Store, any
Satellite Store(s) shall be governed by separate Franchise
Agreements) or “ Temporary Stores .”
3.3. Franchisor’s
Reservation of Rights.
The
Franchisee acknowledges that the franchise granted hereunder is
non-exclusive and that the Franchisor retains the rights, among
others: (1) to use, and to license others to use, the Marks
and Licensed Methods for the operation of ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE
FACTORY Stores, Kiosk Stores, Satellite Stores and Temporary
Stores, at any location other than at the Franchised Location; (2)
to use the Marks and Licensed Methods to identify services and
products, promotional and marketing efforts or related items, and
to identify products and services similar to those which the
Franchisee will sell, but made available through alternative
channels of distribution other than through traditional
ROCKY
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MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY
Stores, at any location other than at the Franchised Location,
including, but not limited to, through Satellite Stores, Temporary
Stores, Kiosk Stores, by way of mail order, (including electronic
mail order), the Internet, catalog, television, retail store
display or through the wholesale sale of its products to unrelated
retail outlets or to candy distributors or outlets located in
stadiums, arenas, airports, turnpike rest stops or supermarkets;
and (3) to use and license the use of other proprietary marks
or methods in connection with the sale of products and services
similar to those which the Franchisee will sell or in connection
with the operation of retail stores selling gourmet chocolates or
other premium confectionery products, at any location other than at
the Franchised Location, which stores are the same as, or similar
to, or different from a traditional ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE
FACTORY Store or a Satellite Store, a Temporary Store or a Kiosk
Store, on any terms and conditions as the Franchisor deems
advisable, and without granting the Franchisee any rights
therein.
4. INITIAL FRANCHISE FEE
4.1. Initial Franchise
Fee.
In
consideration for the right to develop and operate one ROCKY
MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store, the Franchisee agrees to pay to
the Franchisor an initial franchise fee in the amount set forth in
Exhibit I attached hereto, all of which is due and
payable on the date the Franchisee signs this Agreement. The
Franchisee acknowledges and agrees that the initial franchise fee
represents payment for the initial grant of the rights to use the
Marks and Licensed Methods, that the Franchisor has earned the
initial franchise fee upon receipt thereof and that the fee is
under no circumstances refundable to the Franchisee after it is
paid, except as set forth in Section 5.6 of this
Agreement. If a transfer occurs, no initial franchise fee shall be
due at the time that the Franchisee transfers the Store to another
party, but a transfer fee will apply as set forth in
Section 16.2 of this Agreement.
5. DEVELOPMENT OF FRANCHISED
LOCATION
5.1. Approval of
Lease.
The
Franchisee shall obtain the Franchisor’s prior written
approval before executing any lease or purchase agreement for the
Franchised Location. Any lease for the Franchised Location shall,
at the option of the Franchisor, contain provisions including:
(1) allowing for assignment of the lease to the Franchisor in
the event that this Agreement is terminated or not renewed for any
reason; (2) giving the Franchisor the right to cure any
default by the Franchisee under such lease; and/or
(3) providing the Franchisor with the right, exercisable upon
and as a condition of the approval of the Franchised Location, to
execute the lease agreement or other document providing entitlement
to the use of the Franchised Location in its own name or jointly
with the Franchisee as lessee and, upon the exercise of such
option, the Franchisor shall provide the Franchisee with the right
to use the premises as its sublessee, assignee, or other similar
capacity upon the same terms and conditions as obtained by the
Franchisor. The Franchisor may choose to hire a third party
professional to negotiate the Franchisee’s lease and the
Franchisee agrees to reimburse the Franchisor for its actual costs
associated with any such negotiation. The Franchisee shall deliver
a copy of the signed lease for the Franchised Location to the
Franchisor within 15 days of its execution. The Franchisee
acknowledges that approval of a lease for the Franchised Location
by the Franchisor does not constitute a recommendation, endorsement
or guarantee by the Franchisor of the suitability of the location
or the lease and the Franchisee should take all steps necessary to
ascertain whether such location and lease are acceptable to the
Franchisee.
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5.2. Conversion and
Design.
The
Franchisee acknowledges that the layout, design, decoration and
color scheme of ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Stores are an
integral part of the Franchisor’s proprietary Licensed
Methods and accordingly, the Franchisee shall convert, design and
decorate the Franchised Location in accordance with the
Franchisor’s plans and specifications which are contained in
a Design and Construction Manual that is considered, for the
purposes of this Agreement, to be a part of the Operations Manual,
defined in Section 8.1 . The Franchisee shall hire an
architect/designer to prepare written plans for the Store’s
layout and construction, which plans shall be submitted to the
Franchisor for its prior written approval. Throughout the term of
this Agreement, the Franchisee shall also obtain the
Franchisor’s written consent to any remodeling or decoration
of the premises before remodeling or decorating begins, recognizing
that such remodeling, decoration and any related costs are the
Franchisee’s sole responsibility. If the Franchisee remodels
its Store at any time during the term of this Agreement, the
Franchisee shall pay the Franchisor $2,500 for the
Franchisor’s design services.
5.3.
Signs.
The
Franchisee shall purchase or otherwise obtain for use at the
Franchised Location and in connection with the ROCKY MOUNTAIN
CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store, signs which comply with the standards and
specifications of the Franchisor as set forth in the Operations
Manual, as that term is defined in Section 8.1 . It is
the Franchisee’s sole responsibility to insure that any signs
comply with applicable local ordinances, building codes and zoning
regulations. Any modifications to the Franchisor’s standards
and specifications for signs that must be made due to local
ordinances, codes or regulations shall be submitted to the
Franchisor for prior written approval. The Franchisee acknowledges
the Marks, or any other name, symbol or identifying marks on any
signs shall only be used in accordance with the Franchisor’s
standards and specifications and only with the prior written
approval of the Franchisor.
5.4.
Equipment.
The
Franchisee shall purchase or otherwise obtain for use at the
Franchised Location and in connection with the ROCKY MOUNTAIN
CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store, equipment of a type and in an amount which
complies with the standards and specifications of the Franchisor.
The Franchisee acknowledges that the type, quality, configuration,
capability and/or performance of the equipment are all standards
and specifications which are a part of the Licensed Methods and
therefore such equipment must be purchased, leased, or otherwise
obtained in accordance with the Franchisor’s standards and
specifications and only from suppliers or other sources approved by
the Franchisor. The Franchisee must purchase a facsimile machine
and connect it to a phone line that is separate from the main phone
number for the Store. The Franchisee shall equip the Store with an
integrated store information system (“ System
”), computer hardware and software, printers and other
designated equipment consistent with the standards and
specifications of the Franchisor. The Franchisor requires that it
be given reasonable access to information and data regarding the
Franchisee’s ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store by
computer modem with a separate phone line dedicated to such modem,
or by another form of electronic transmission. The Franchisee must
purchase and maintain throughout the term of this Agreement a
maintenance and support agreement for the System with the
Franchisor’s designated supplier. The Franchisor also
requires the Franchisee to obtain and maintain an account with an
Internet service provider that meets the Franchisor’s
standards and specifications to facilitate electronic
communication.
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5.5. Permits and
Licenses.
The
Franchisee agrees to obtain all such permits and certifications as
may be required for the lawful construction and operation of the
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store together with all
certifications from government authorities having jurisdiction over
the site, that all requirements for construction and operation have
been met, including without limitation, zoning, access, sign,
health, safety requirements, building and other required
construction permits, licenses to do business and fictitious name
registrations, sales tax permits, health and sanitation permits and
ratings and fire clearances. The Franchisee agrees to obtain all
customary contractors’ sworn statements and partial and final
lien waivers for construction, remodeling, decorating and
installation of equipment at the Franchised Location. The
Franchisee shall sign and deliver to the Franchisor the Permit,
License and Construction Certificate set forth as
Exhibit V to this Agreement, to confirm
Franchisee’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities
Act and other provisions of this Section 5.5 not later
than 30 days prior to the date the Store begins operating.
Copies of all inspection reports, warnings, certificates and
ratings issued by any governmental entity during the term of this
Agreement in connection with the conduct of the ROCKY MOUNTAIN
CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store which indicates the Franchisee’s
failure to meet or maintain the highest governmental standards, or
less than full compliance by the Franchisee with any applicable
law, rule or regulation, shall be forwarded to the Franchisor
within five days of the Franchisee’s receipt
thereof.
5.6. Commencement of
Operations.
Unless otherwise
agreed in writing by the Franchisor and the Franchisee, the
Franchisee has 180 days from the date of this Agreement within
which to complete the initial training program, described in
Section 6.1 of this Agreement, develop the Franchised
Location and commence operation of the ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE
FACTORY Store. Failure to commence operations within this time
frame shall constitute grounds for termination under
Article 18 of this Agreement. If this Agreement is
terminated by the Franchisor for failure to commence operation of
the Store within applicable time limits, $5,000 of the initial
franchise fee will be refunded to the Franchisee. The Franchisor
will extend the time in which the Franchisee has to commence
operations for a reasonable period of time in the event factors
beyond the Franchisee’s reasonable control prevent the
Franchisee from meeting this development schedule, so long as the
Franchisee has made reasonable and continuing efforts to comply
with such development obligations and the Franchisee requests, in
writing, an extension of time in which to have its ROCKY MOUNTAIN
CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store established before such development period
lapses. However, notwithstanding the Franchisor’s written
agreement to extend the Franchisee’s development period, if
more than 270 days elapse between the date of this Agreement
and the commencement of operation of the Store, the Franchisor
reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to require the
Franchisee to execute the Franchisor’s then current form of
Franchise Agreement or an amendment to this Agreement to conform
this Agreement with the terms of the then current Franchise
Agreement.
6. TRAINING
6.1. Initial Training
Program.
After the
Franchisee executes a lease for the Franchised Location, the
Franchisee or, if the Franchisee is not an individual, the person
designated by the Franchisee to assume primary responsibility for
the management of the ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store,
(“ General Manager ”) is required to attend and
successfully complete the initial training program which is offered
by the Franchisor at one of the Franchisor’s designated
training facilities. Up to three individuals are eligible to
participate in the Franchisor’s initial training program
without charge of a tuition or fee. The
5
Franchisee shall be responsible
for any and all traveling and living expenses incurred in
connection with attendance at the training program. At least one
individual must successfully complete the initial training program
prior to the Franchisee’s commencement of operation of its
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store.
6.2. Length of
Training.
The
initial training program shall consist of 7 days of
instruction at a location designated by the Franchisor; provided,
however, that the Franchisor reserves the right to waive a portion
of the training program or alter the training schedule, if in the
Franchisor’s sole discretion, the Franchisee or General
Manager has sufficient prior experience or training.
6.3. Additional
Training.
From time to time,
the Franchisor may present seminars, conventions or continuing
development programs or conduct meetings for the benefit of the
Franchisee. The Franchisee or its General Manager shall be required
to attend any ongoing mandatory seminars, conventions, programs or
meetings as may be offered by the Franchisor. The Franchisor shall
give the Franchisee at least 30 days prior written notice of any
ongoing seminar, convention or program that is deemed mandatory.
The Franchisor shall not require that the Franchisee attend any
ongoing training more often than once a year. All mandatory
training will be offered without charge of a tuition or fee;
provided, however, the Franchisee will be responsible for all
traveling and living expenses which are associated with attendance
at the same.
7. DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
7.1. Franchisor’s
Development Assistance.
The
Franchisor shall provide the Franchisee with assistance in the
initial establishment of the ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store
as follows:
a. Provision of
the initial training program to be conducted at the
Franchisor’s designated training facilities or at another
location designated by the Franchisor, as described in
Article 6 above.
b. Provision of
written guidelines for a Franchised Location that shall include,
without limitation, specifications for space requirements and build
out. The Franchisee acknowledges that the Franchisor shall have no
other obligation to provide assistance in the selection and
approval of a Franchised Location other than the provision of such
written specifications and approval or disapproval of a proposed
Franchised Location, which approval or disapproval shall be based
on information submitted to the Franchisor in a form sufficient to
assess the proposed location as may be required by the Franchisor,
in the Franchisor’s sole discretion, and on information
gathered by the Franchisor.
c. Direction
regarding the required conversion, design and decoration of the
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store premises, plus
specifications concerning signs, seasonal graphics, music, decor
and equipment.
d. Direction
regarding the selection of suppliers of equipment, seasonal
graphics, music, items and materials used and inventory offered for
sale in connection with the ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store.
The Franchisor will determine the Franchisee’s initial
inventory of Factory Candy that the Franchisee will purchase,
depending on the size and
6
configuration of the Store. After execution of
this Agreement, the Franchisor will provide the Franchisee with a
list of approved suppliers, if any, of such equipment, items,
seasonal graphics, music, materials and inventory and, if
available, a description of any national or central purchase and
supply agreements offered by such approved suppliers for the
benefit of ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY franchisees.
e. Provision of an
Operations Manual in accordance with Section 8.1
below.
f. As the
Franchisor may reasonably schedule, and depending on availability
of personnel, the Franchisor will make available to the Franchisee
at or close to the opening of the Franchisee’s ROCKY MOUNTAIN
CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store, a representative (“ Site
Representative ”) who will be present for up to five days
beginning approximately three days prior to the opening of the
Franchisee’s ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store. If the
Franchisee’s Store opens on or near a holiday, however, the
Site Representative shall not begin the in-Store assistance until
three days after the holiday. Holidays shall include, but not be
limited to, New Years Day, Valentines Day, Easter, Memorial Day,
Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas.
There will be no charge to the Franchisee for this service provided
by the Franchisor. The Site Representative will assist the
Franchisee’s employees in opening the Store, unless in the
Franchisor’s determination, the Franchisee or the General
Manager have sufficient prior training or experience.
8. OPERATIONS MANUAL
8.1. Operations
Manual.
The
Franchisor agrees to loan to the Franchisee one or more manuals,
technical bulletins, cookbooks and recipes and other written
materials (collectively referred to as “ Operations
Manual ”) covering Factory Candy ordering, Store Candy
manufacturing, processing and stocking and other operating and
in-store marketing techniques for the ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE
FACTORY Store. The Franchisee agrees that it shall comply with the
Operations Manual as an essential aspect of its obligations under
this Agreement, that the Operations Manual shall be deemed to be
incorporated herein by reference and failure by the Franchisee to
substantially comply with the Operations Manual may be considered
by the Franchisor to be a breach of this Agreement.
8.2. Confidentiality of
Operations Manual Contents.
The
Franchisee agrees to use the Marks and Licensed Methods only as
specified in the Operations Manual. The Operations Manual is the
sole property of the Franchisor and shall be used by the Franchisee
only during the term of this Agreement and in strict accordance
with the terms and conditions hereof. The Franchisee shall not
duplicate the Operations Manual nor disclose its contents to
persons other than its employees or officers who have signed the
form of Confidentiality and Noncompetition Agreement attached
hereto as Exhibit VI and incorporated herein by
reference. The Franchisee shall return the Operations Manual to the
Franchisor upon the expiration, termination or transfer of this
Agreement.
8.3. Changes to Operations
Manual.
The
Franchisor reserves the right to revise the Operations Manual from
time to time as it deems necessary to update or change operating
and marketing techniques, standards and specifications for all
components of the Licensed Methods and approved Factory Candy,
Items and Store Candy offered by Stores. The Franchisee, within
30 days of receiving any updated information, shall in turn
update its copy of the Operations Manual as instructed by the
Franchisor and shall conform its operations with the
7
updated provisions within a
reasonable time after receipt of such updated information. The
Franchisee acknowledges that a master copy of the Operations Manual
maintained by the Franchisor at its principal office shall be
controlling in the event of a dispute relative to the content of
any Operations Manual.
9. OPERATING ASSISTANCE
9.1. Franchisor’s
Services.
The
Franchisor agrees that, during the Franchisee’s operation of
the ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store, the Franchisor shall
make available to the Franchisee the following services:
a. Upon the
reasonable request of the Franchisee, consultation by telephone and
electronic mail regarding the continued operation and management of
a ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store and advice regarding the
retail services, product quality control, inventory issues,
customer relations issues and similar advice.
b. Access to
advertising and promotional materials as may be developed by the
Franchisor, the cost of which may be passed on to the Franchisee at
the Franchisor’s option.
c. On-going
updates of information and programs regarding the candy industry,
the ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY concept and related Licensed
Methods, including, without limitation, information about special
or new products which may be developed and made available to ROCKY
MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY franchisees.
d. Depending on
availability, allow replacement or additional General Managers to
attend the initial training program. The Franchisor reserves the
right to charge a tuition or fee in an amount payable in advance,
commensurate with the Franchisor’s then current published
prices for such training. The Franchisee shall be responsible for
all travel and living expenses incurred by its personnel during the
training program. Further, the availability of the training program
shall be subject to space considerations and prior commitments to
new ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY franchisees.
9.2. Additional Franchisor
Services.
Although not
obligated to do so, upon the reasonable request of the Franchisee,
the Franchisor may make its employees or designated agents
available to the Franchisee for on-site advice and assistance in
connection with the on-going operation of the ROCKY MOUNTAIN
CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store governed by this Agreement. In the event
that the Franchisee requests such additional assistance and the
Franchisor agrees to provide the same, the Franchisor reserves the
right to charge the Franchisee for all travel, lodging, living
expenses, telephone charges and other identifiable expenses
associated with such assistance, plus a fee based on the time spent
by each employee on behalf of the Franchisee, which fee will be
charged in accordance with the then current daily or hourly rates
being charged by the Franchisor for assistance.
10. FRANCHISEE’S OPERATIONAL
COVENANTS
10.1. Store
Operations.
The
Franchisee acknowledges that it is solely responsible for the
successful operation of its ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store
and that the continued successful operation
8
thereof is, in part, dependent
upon the Franchisee’s compliance with this Agreement and the
Operations Manual. In addition to all other obligations contained
in this Agreement and in the Operations Manual, the Franchisee
covenants that:
a. The Franchisee
shall maintain clean, efficient and high quality ROCKY MOUNTAIN
CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store operations and shall operate the business
in accordance with the Operations Manual and in such a manner as
not to detract from or adversely reflect upon the name and
reputation of the Franchisor and the goodwill associated with the
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY name and Marks.
b. The Franchisee
will operate its ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store in
compliance with all applicable laws, health department regulations
and other ordinances. In connection therewith, the Franchisee will
be solely and fully responsible for obtaining any and all licenses
to operate the ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store. The
Franchisee shall promptly forward to the Franchisor copies of all
health department, fire department, building department and other
similar reports of inspections as and when they become
available.
c. The Franchisee
and all persons who work behind the counter at the Store in any
capacity, whether or not they are employees of the Franchisee
(“ Personnel ”), shall conduct themselves in
such a manner so as to promote a good image to the public and to
the business community. At no time shall any of the Personnel
engage in unreasonable or disrespectful behavior toward anyone,
including using offensive or rude language or gestures. The
Franchisee shall at all times require its Personnel to follow the
Code of Conduct as set forth in the Operations Manual.
d. The Franchisee
acknowledges that proper management of the ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE
FACTORY Store is important and shall insure that the Franchisee or
a designated General Manager who has completed the
Franchisor’s initial training program be responsible for the
management of the ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store after
commencement of Store operations and be present at the Franchised
Location during operation of the Store.
e. The Franchisee
shall offer only authorized products and services as are more fully
described in the vendor lists which are a part of the Operations
Manual, which may include, without limitation, Factory Candy, Store
Candy, Items and other authorized confectionery food and beverage
products. Further, the Franchisee shall operate the Store using
only those supplies, equipment, ingredients, signs, décor,
music and methods which are described in the Operations Manual. The
Franchisee shall offer only the types of products and services as
from time to time may be prescribed by the Franchisor and shall
refrain from offering any other types of products or services, from
or through the ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store, including,
without limitation, filling “Wholesale Orders,” defined
below, selling Factory Candy, Store Candy, Items or other
authorized products through the Internet, or catering or other
off-premises sales, without the prior written consent of the
Franchisor. “ Wholesale Orders ” are defined as
those orders or sales where the principal purpose of the purchase
is for resale, not consumption, or any sale other than those sold
over the counter at a price other than that price charged to the
general public; provided, however, that volume discounted sales
made on the premises at the Franchised Location to a single
purchaser, not for resale, and discounted sales made on the
premises at the Franchised Location to charitable organizations for
fund-raising purposes shall be
9
permitted. Factory Candy, Store Candy and Items
shall never be sold in containers or bags other than those approved
and supplied by the Franchisor or other supplier approved by the
Franchisor.
f. The Franchisee
shall promptly pay when due all taxes and other obligations owed to
third parties in the operation of the ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE
FACTORY Store, including without limitation, unemployment and sales
taxes, and any and all accounts or other indebtedness of every kind
incurred by the Franchisee in the conduct of the ROCKY MOUNTAIN
CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store. In the event of a bona fide dispute as to
the liability for taxes assessed or other indebtedness, the
Franchisee may contest the validity or the amount of the tax or
indebtedness in accordance with procedures of the taxing authority
or applicable law; however, in no event shall the Franchisee permit
a tax sale or seizure by levy or execution or similar writ or
warrant, or attachment by a creditor to occur against the premises
of the Franchised Location, or any improvement thereon.
g. The Franchisee
shall subscribe for and maintain not fewer than two or three
separate telephone numbers for its ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY
Store at the Franchised Location, depending on the size and
configuration of the Store or Kiosk. One number shall be used
exclusively for voice communication, the second shall be used
exclusively for the modem that is included in the System. If a
third telephone number is required, it shall be used exclusively
for a facsimile machine. The telephone number and, if applicable,
the facsimile machine number, shall be listed and identified
exclusively with the ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store in all
official telephone directories and in all advertising in which such
numbers appear and shall be separate and distinct from all other
telephone numbers subscribed for by the Franchisee.
h. The Franchisee
shall comply with all agreements with third parties related to the
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store including, in particular,
all provisions of any lease for the Franchised Location.
i. The Franchisee
and all employees of the Franchisee shall adhere to strict grooming
and dress code guidelines, as described in the Code of Conduct set
forth in the Operations Manual, while on duty at the Franchised
Location. The Franchisee is required, at the Franchisee’s
expense, to purchase specified apparel from suppliers approved by
the Franchisor. All General Managers, employees of the Franchisee,
the Franchisee and its owners shall wear the specified apparel at
all times while working at the Franchised Location. The Franchisor
has the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to change or
modify such grooming and dress code guidelines in the Operations
Manual.
j. The Franchisee
agrees to renovate, refurbish, remodel or replace, at its own
expense, the personal property and equipment used in the operation
of the ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store, when reasonably
required by the Franchisor in order to comply with the image,
standards of operation and performance capability established by
the Franchisor from time to time. If the Franchisor changes its
image or standards of operation, it shall give the Franchisee a
reasonable period of time within which to comply with such
changes.
k. The Franchisee
shall be responsible for training all of its Personnel who work in
any capacity in the ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store. The
Franchisee must conduct its Personnel training in the manner and
according to the standards as prescribed in the Operations Manual.
All Personnel who do not satisfactorily complete the training shall
not work in any capacity in the Franchisee’s ROCKY MOUNTAIN
CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store.
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l. The Franchisee
shall at all times during the term of this Agreement own and
control the ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store authorized
hereunder. The Franchisee shall not operate any other business or
profession from or through the Store. If the Franchisee is an
entity, the entity shall only operate the ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE
FACTORY Store governed by this Agreement and no other business,
unless the Franchisee receives the Franchisor’s prior written
approval. Upon request of the Franchisor, the Franchisee shall
promptly provide satisfactory proof of such ownership to the
Franchisor. The Franchisee represents that the Statement of
Ownership, attached hereto as Exhibit III and by this
reference incorporated herein, is true, complete, accurate and not
misleading, and, in accordance with the information contained in
the Statement of Ownership, the controlling ownership of the ROCKY
MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store is held by the Franchisee. The
Franchisee shall promptly provide the Franchisor with a written
notification if the information contained in the Statement of
Ownership changes at any time during the term of this Agreement and
shall comply with the applicable transfer provisions contained in
Article 16 herein. In addition, if the Franchisee is an
entity, all of the owners of the Franchisee shall sign the Personal
Guaranty attached hereto as Exhibit II .
m. The Franchisee
shall at all times during the term of this Agreement keep its ROCKY
MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store open during the business hours
designated by the Franchisor from time to time in the Operations
Manual.
n. Unless notified
in writing otherwise by the Franchisor, all Factory Candy and
related products shall be sold and shipped to the Franchisee on a
net 30-day basis, or according to the then current payment terms
set by the Franchisor or its designated suppliers. The Franchisor
reserves the right to charge interest at the rate of 1.5% per month
if the Franchisee fails to pay for its orders on time and the
Franchisor reserves the right to discontinue shipment of Factory
Candy and related products to the Franchisee if the Franchisee is
repeatedly delinquent in paying for its Factory Candy and related
products, in the Franchisor’s sole discretion. The Franchisee
may be required to “prepay” Factory Candy orders,
notwithstanding the payment policy set forth above, in the event of
poor payment performance. The Franchisor reserves the right to
change payment terms and policies at any time. The Franchisor also
reserves the right to change the price for Factory Candy and
related products from time to time as may be set forth in the most
recent price bulletin sent to all franchisees or the then current
Operations Manual.
11. ROYALTIES
11.1. Monthly
Royalty.
The
Franchisee agrees to pay to the Franchisor a monthly royalty
(“ Royalty ”) equal to 5% of its Gross Retail
Sales generated from or through its ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE
FACTORY Store. The Franchisee also agrees to pay a quarterly
Royalty based on Adjusted Gross Retail Sales during each calendar
quarter. The amount of monthly Royalty paid during each quarter
shall be credited toward the amount of quarterly Royalty owed.
Within 15 days following the end of each calendar quarter, the
Franchisor shall calculate the amount of the Franchisee’s
Adjusted Gross Retail Sales during the previous quarter and the
Franchisee shall owe the Franchisor a quarterly Royalty equal to
10% of its Adjusted Gross Retail Sales. “ Adjusted Gross
Retail Sales ” shall be calculated as the amount of
“Gross Retail Sales,” defined in
Section 11.2 below, minus a fixed dollar amount for
each pound of Factory Candy purchased from the Franchisor and minus
a multiple of the wholesale price, as specified by the Franchisor,
on certain Store Candy ingredients, packaging and other products
and supplies purchased from the Franchisor during the previous
calendar quarter. The Franchisor reserves the right to change
the
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fixed dollar amount per pound of
Factory Candy and the multiple of the wholesale price from time to
time, in the Franchisor’s sole discretion. The Franchisee
shall be notified of any credits from or amounts owing to the
Franchisor for the quarterly Royalty based on Adjusted Gross Retail
Sales. Any credits or amounts owed will be added to or deducted
from the following month’s monthly Royalty payment. If the
Franchisee owns other ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Stores
governed by other franchise agreements that calculate Royalties
differently than described above, the Franchisor reserves the right
to adjust the calculation of Adjusted Gross Retail Sales based on
variances in other Stores’ past and current
purchases.
11.2. Gross Retail
Sales.
“ Gross
Retail Sales ” shall be defined as receipts and income of
any kind from all products or services sold from or through the
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store, including any such sale of
products or services made for cash or upon credit, or partly for
cash and partly for credit, regardless of collection of charges for
which credit is given, less returns for which refunds are made,
provided that the refund shall not exceed the sales price and
exclusive of discounts, sales taxes and other taxes, amounts
received in settlement of a loss of merchandise, shipping expenses
paid by the customer and discount sales to corporations or to
charities for fund-raising purposes. “Gross Retail
Sales” shall also include the fair market value of any
services or products received by the Franchisee in barter or in
exchange for its services and products.
11.3. Royalty
Payments.
The
Franchisee agrees that Royalty payments shall be paid monthly and
sent to the Franchisor, post-marked no later than the 15th of each
month based on Gross Retail Sales for the immediately preceding
month. Royalty payments shall be accompanied by monthly reports, as
more fully described in Article 15 hereof, and standard
transmittal forms containing information regarding the
Franchisee’s Gross Retail Sales and such additional
information as may be requested by the Franchisor. The Franchisor
reserves the right to require Royalty payments be made on a weekly
or bi-weekly basis if the Franchisee does not timely or fully
submit the required payments or reports. The Franchisor shall have
the right to verify such Royalty payments from time to time as it
deems necessary, in any reasonable manner. In the event that the
Franchisee fails to pay any Royalties within 14 days after
they are due, the Franchisee shall, in addition to such Royalties,
pay a late charge equivalent to 18% of the late Royalty payment;
provided, however, in no event shall the Franchisee be required to
pay a late payment at a rate greater than the maximum interest rate
permitted by applicable law. If the Franchisee pays Royalties with
a check returned for non-sufficient funds more than one time in any
calendar year, in addition to all other remedies which may be
available, the Franchisor shall have the right to require that
Royalty payments be made by certified or cashier’s
checks.
11.4. Authorization for
Prearranged Payments by Electronic Transfer.
The
Franchisor reserves the right to require that Royalty payments,
late charges and payment of the Marketing and Promotion Fee and
late charges (as set forth in Section 12.3 below) be
made by means of electronic funds transfer and the Franchisee
agrees to provide the information necessary to implement such
transfer payments within 30 days of receiving notice that such
a program is being implemented. By signing this Agreement, the
Franchisee authorizes the Franchisor to initiate debit entries
and/or credit correction entries to the Franchisee’s checking
or savings account indicated on the Addendum to this Agreement
related to the Authorization of Prearranged Payments attached to
this Agreement as Exhibit IV , and authorizes the
depository named on Exhibit IV (“
Depository ”) to debit such account pursuant to the
Franchisor’s instructions. The Franchisee shall complete the
form attached as Exhibit IV with the information
requested. This authority is to remain in full force and effect
until Depository has received
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joint written notification from
the Franchisor and the Franchisee of the Franchisee’s
termination of such authority in such time and in such manner as to
afford Depository a reasonable opportunity to act on it.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Depository shall provide the
Franchisor and the Franchisee with 30 days’ prior
written notice of the termination of this authority. If an
erroneous debit entry is initiated to the Franchisee’s
account, the Franchisee shall have the right to have the amount of
such entry credited to such account by Depository, if
(a) within 15 calendar days following the date on which
Depository sent to the Franchisee a statement of account or a
written notice pertaining to such entry or (b) 45 days
after posting, whichever occurs first, the Franchisee shall have
sent to Depository a written notice identifying such entry, stating
that such entry was in error and requesting Depository to credit
the amount thereof to such account. These rights are in addition to
any rights the Franchisee may have under federal and state banking
laws.
12. ADVERTISING
12.1. Approval of
Advertising.
The
Franchisee shall obtain the Franchisor’s prior written
approval of all advertising or other marketing or promotional
programs published by any method, including print, broadcast and
electronic media, regarding the ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY
Store, including, without limitation, “Yellow Pages”
advertising, newspaper ads, flyers, brochures, coupons, direct mail
pieces, specialty and novelty items, radio, television, Internet
and World Wide Web advertising. The Franchisee acknowledges and
agrees that the Franchisor may disapprove of any advertising,
marketing or promotional programs submitted to the Franchisor, for
any reason, in the Franchisor’s sole discretion. The
Franchisee shall also obtain the Franchisor’s prior written
approval of all promotional materials provided by vendors. The
proposed written advertising or a description of the marketing or
promotional program shall be submitted to the Franchisor at least
10 days prior to publication, broadcast or use. The Franchisee
acknowledges that advertising and promoting the ROCKY MOUNTAIN
CHOCOLATE FACTORY Store in accordance with the Franchisor’s
standards and specifications is an essential aspect of the Licensed
Methods, and the Franchisee agrees to comply with all advertising
standards and specifications. The Franchisee shall display all
required promotional materials, signs, point of purchase displays
and other marketing materials in its ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE
FACTORY Store in the manner prescribed by the Franchisor. The
Franchisee shall not, under any circumstances, use handwritten
signs in the operation of its Store.
12.2. Local
Advertising.
The
Franchisor reserves the right to require the Franchisee to spend up
to 1% of monthly Gross Retail Sales on local advertising to create
public awareness of the Franchisee’s ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE
FACTORY Store. The Franchisee will submit to the Franchisor an
accounting of the amounts spent on advertising within 30 days
following the end of each calendar quarter. If the Franchisor
requires its franchisees to advertise locally as described above,
all Franchisor-owned Stores will be required to spend money for
local advertising on an equal percentage basis with all franchised
Stores. If the Franchisee’s lease requires it to advertise
locally, the Franchisor may, in its sole discretion, count such
expenditures toward the Franchisee’s local advertising
expenditure required by this Section 12.2 . The
Franchisee shall obtain the Franchisor’s prior written
approval of all written advertising and promotional materials
before publication, in accordance with Section 12.1
above.
12.3. Marketing and
Promotion Fee.
The
Franchisee shall pay to the Franchisor, in addition to Royalties, a
fee of 1% of the total amount of the Franchisee’s Gross
Retail Sales (“ Marketing and Promotion Fee ”).
The Marketing and
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Promotion Fee shall be in
addition to and not in lieu of the Franchisee’s expenditures
for local advertising, as described in Section 12.2
above. The following terms and conditions will apply:
a. The Marketing
and Promotion Fee shall be payable concurrently with the payment of
the Royalties, and transmitted to the Franchisor in accordance with
Section 11.3 above, for all Marketing and Promotion
Fees for the immediately preceding month.
b. The Marketing
and Promotion Fees will be subject to the same late charges as the
Royalties, in an amount and manner set forth in
Section 11.3 above.
c. Upon written
request by the Franchisee, the Franchisor will make available to
the Franchisee, no later than 120 days after the end of each
fiscal year, an annual financial statement which indicates how the
Marketing and Promotion Fees have been spent.
d. The Marketing
and Promotion Fees will be administered by the Franchisor, in its
sole discretion, and may be used for production and placement of
point of purchase advertising, in-store signage,
in-store
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