Except as approved in advance in writing by us, you may not establish or maintain a separate website, splash page, profile or other presence on the Internet, or otherwise advertise on the Internet or any other public computer network in connection with the Restaurants, including any profile on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat or any other social media and/or networking site. If such approval is granted by us, you must: (i) establish and operate such Internet site in accordance with System standards and any other policies we designate in the Operating Manual or otherwise in writing from time to time; and (ii) utilize any templates that we provide to you to create and/or modify such site(s). (Franchise Agreement - Paragraph 14.8(E)).
From the filings
CityBird
Quick service restaurantCityBird runs 8 US locations — 2 franchised, 6 company-owned — flat year over year per the 2025 FDD. No specific tech vendor is mandated, but Item 8 designates CRM, social-media-analytics and online-ordering software as items that must run through franchisor-designated programs.
For software vendors selling into US franchise brands.
Live signals
Ordinary royalty terms
6% component; full terms unconfirmed
Complete royalty terms are not confirmed for the selected filing.
Mandated & recommended tech
The systems vendors compete with
Systems named in Item 11 of this filing. None is recorded as mandated here, which is not the same as the filing mandating nothing. Read Item 11 before treating the category as open.
Except as approved in advance in writing by us, you may not establish or maintain a separate website, splash page, profile or other presence on the Internet, or otherwise advertise on the Internet or any other public computer network in connection with the Restaurants, including any profile on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat or any other social media and/or networking site. If such approval is granted by us, you must: (i) establish and operate such Internet site in accordance with System standards and any other policies we designate in the Operating Manual or otherwise in writing from time to time; and (ii) utilize any templates that we provide to you to create and/or modify such site(s). (Franchise Agreement - Paragraph 14.8(E)).
Except as approved in advance in writing by us, you may not establish or maintain a separate website, splash page, profile or other presence on the Internet, or otherwise advertise on the Internet or any other public computer network in connection with the Restaurants, including any profile on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat or any other social media and/or networking site. If such approval is granted by us, you must: (i) establish and operate such Internet site in accordance with System standards and any other policies we designate in the Operating Manual or otherwise in writing from time to time; and (ii) utilize any templates that we provide to you to create and/or modify such site(s). (Franchise Agreement - Paragraph 14.8(E)).
In order to maintain a consistent image and message and to protect the Marks and System, you must not participate or market through the use of social technology, social media such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest and Twitter, social networking platforms or other forms of electronic media not yet developed (“Social Media Platforms”) using the Marks, or in connection with the your Restaurant, without our prior written consent. If you separately register any Social Media Platform account (a “Social Media Account”) containing the Marks or related to your Restaurant, whether with our prior consent or not (i) you
Except as approved in advance in writing by us, you may not establish or maintain a separate website, splash page, profile or other presence on the Internet, or otherwise advertise on the Internet or any other public computer network in connection with the Restaurants, including any profile on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat or any other social media and/or networking site. If such approval is granted by us, you must: (i) establish and operate such Internet site in accordance with System standards and any other policies we designate in the Operating Manual or otherwise in writing from time to time; and (ii) utilize any templates that we provide to you to create and/or modify such site(s). (Franchise Agreement - Paragraph 14.8(E)).
In order to maintain a consistent image and message and to protect the Marks and System, you must not participate or market through the use of social technology, social media such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest and Twitter, social networking platforms or other forms of electronic media not yet developed (“Social Media Platforms”) using the Marks, or in connection with the your Restaurant, without our prior written consent. If you separately register any Social Media Platform account (a “Social Media Account”) containing the Marks or related to your Restaurant, whether with our prior consent or not (i) you
Except as approved in advance in writing by us, you may not establish or maintain a separate website, splash page, profile or other presence on the Internet, or otherwise advertise on the Internet or any other public computer network in connection with the Restaurants, including any profile on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat or any other social media and/or networking site. If such approval is granted by us, you must: (i) establish and operate such Internet site in accordance with System standards and any other policies we designate in the Operating Manual or otherwise in writing from time to time; and (ii) utilize any templates that we provide to you to create and/or modify such site(s). (Franchise Agreement - Paragraph 14.8(E)).
Except as approved in advance in writing by us, you may not establish or maintain a separate website, splash page, profile or other presence on the Internet, or otherwise advertise on the Internet or any other public computer network in connection with the Restaurants, including any profile on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat or any other social media and/or networking site. If such approval is granted by us, you must: (i) establish and operate such Internet site in accordance with System standards and any other policies we designate in the Operating Manual or otherwise in writing from time to time; and (ii) utilize any templates that we provide to you to create and/or modify such site(s). (Franchise Agreement - Paragraph 14.8(E)).
Franchisor behaviours
What the franchisor requires
28 requirements the franchisor states in this filing, each in its own words; 3 explicit no's; 3 questions the text does not settle, which is not a no.
Accounting
Does the franchisor have direct or independent electronic access to the franchisee's financial, sales or customer records?
YesItem 11
We reserve the right to have independent access to any data you collect electronically.
Must the franchisee submit periodic financial statements (monthly, quarterly or annual) to the franchisor?
YesFranchise agreement
You agree to submit to us, in accordance with requirements prescribed by us from time to time (initially in thirteen four-week reporting periods per year) and in a format which we may designate from time to time: (a) at the same time the Royalty Fee is due, a weekly report of the sales of the Restaurant and all other…
How the franchisor buys
Is the franchisor or an affiliate itself a supplier of required products, services or systems?
YesItem 8
We or our affiliates may receive revenues or profits or other material consideration from the purchases you make from us, our affiliates, or from other approved suppliers.
Does the franchisor reserve the right to change designated suppliers or systems at any time?
YesItem 8
We reserve the right to change the standards and specifications from time to time on
How much revenue did the franchisor and its affiliates earn from franchisee purchases in the last fiscal year?
0Item 8
Neither we nor our affiliates have received any prior income from required franchisee purchases as of the date of this disclosure, but we reserve the right to do so in the future.
Does the franchisor or an affiliate receive rebates, commissions or other revenue from designated or approved suppliers?
YesItem 8
We or our affiliates may retain any rebates or other payments we receive from suppliers.
Item 8 gives this proportion in one of two shapes: separate percentages for establishing the business and for operating it, or one figure covering "establishing and operating" together. Where they are separate, answer with the operating percentage; where the passage gives only the combined figure, answer with that. What percentage of the franchisee's purchases must come from designated or approved suppliers?
50Item 8
approximately 50% to 75% of your annual costs to operate your Restaurant on an ongoing basis.
Does the franchisor charge a fee to evaluate a proposed supplier?
YesItem 6
CityBird Franchise Company 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document 9 Type of Fee Amount Due Date Remarks Alternative Supplier Our costs incurred in As incurred If you seek approval of a new supplier or product, Evaluation Fees evaluating the we may charge you our costs incurred for alternative supplier. conducting the…
Can a franchisee propose a new supplier for the franchisor's approval?
YesItem 8
In the event you wish to purchase any unapproved item, including inventory, and/or acquire approved items from an unapproved supplier, you must provide us the name, address and telephone number of the proposed supplier, a description of the item you wish to purchase, and the purchase price of the item, if known.
Communications
Does the franchisor own or control the business telephone numbers, or take them over when the agreement ends?
YesFranchise agreement
You acknowledge that we have the sole rights to and interest in all telephone numbers, post office boxes, and directory listings relating to any Mark, and you authorize us to direct the telephone company, the postal service, and all listing agencies to transfer all telephone numbers, post office boxes, and directory…
Data and IT
Must the franchisee comply with PCI, data-security or cybersecurity standards set by the franchisor?
YesFranchise agreement
You agree to abide by the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards enacted by the applicable Card Associations, as applicable to your business.
Franchise management
Does the franchisor conduct periodic inspections, audits or evaluations of the franchised business?
YesItem 6
Once per quarter, we perform unannounced quality, Cleanliness Inspection Fees $500 per service, and cleanliness (“QSC”) inspections of all (“QSC Fees”) failed Restaurants to ensure compliance with the System inspection. standards.
Can the franchisor change the operations manual and brand standards unilaterally?
YesFranchise agreement
We will have the right to add to and otherwise modify the Operating Manual from time to time, if deemed necessary or advisable to improve the standards of service or product quality or the efficient operation of the Restaurant, to protect or maintain the goodwill associated with the Marks, to take advantage of…
Must the franchisor approve the franchisee's site or location before opening?
YesItem 11
You must obtain a location that is approved by us within six (6) months of signing the Franchise Agreement.
Marketing
Is the franchisee prohibited from operating its own website or social media accounts, or required to use pages the franchisor provides?
YesItem 11
Except as approved in advance in writing by us, you may not establish or maintain a separate website, splash page, profile or other presence on the Internet, or otherwise advertise on the Internet or any other public computer network in connection with the Restaurants, including any profile on Facebook, Pinterest…
Is a minimum grand opening advertising spend required?
YesFranchise agreement
Contemporaneous with your execution of the Lease for your Restaurant, you must pay us $10,000 for the management and implementation of your grand opening marketing plan (the “Grand Opening Marketing Fund”).
Is the franchisee required to spend a minimum amount on local advertising or marketing, as a percentage of sales or a fixed amount?
YesItem 11
In addition to the Advertising and Marketing Fund Contributions described above, you must spend a minimum of 2% of your Gross Sales on local advertising and promotion implemented in a format and using materials and designs approved by us as your “Local Advertising, Marketing, and Promotional Expenditure”.
Must the franchisee participate in a customer loyalty or rewards program?
YesItem 8
You must fully participate in all guest loyalty or frequent customer programs now or in the future adopted or approved by us.
Must the franchisee participate in a regional advertising cooperative when one exists?
YesItem 11
All franchisees in the designated geographical area must participate in the Cooperative.
Operations
Must the franchisee buy products from a designated distributor?
YesItem 8
You must buy CityBird Proprietary Products only from us or our Approved Suppliers.
Payments
Are royalties and other fees collected by automatic bank debit (ACH or electronic funds transfer) from the franchisee's account?
YesItem 6
You must participate in our then-current electronic funds transfer and reporting program(s). All fees owed and any other amounts designated by us must be received or credited to our account by pre-authorized bank debit by 5:00 p.m. on or before the applicable due date.
Must the franchisee participate in a gift card program?
YesItem 8
You must participate in all gift certificate and/or gift card administration programs as we may designated from time to time.
People
Does the franchisor require minimum staffing levels or specific roles?
YesItem 15
At all times that your Restaurant is open for business, it must be under the personal, on-premises supervision of either you, your Operating Principal, your Key Manager, or a General Manager who has completed our Initial Training Program.
Must employees wear uniforms specified by the franchisor?
YesItem 8
We will give to you and you must comply with our standards and specifications for the services and products offered at your Restaurant regarding food and beverages, menu, CityBird Franchise Company 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document 16 food type and quality, dry goods, sauces, raw ingredients, packaging material…
Point of sale
Must the franchisee use a specific point-of-sale system designated or approved by the franchisor?
YesItem 11
You must obtain, maintain, and use the certain brands, types, makes, and/or models of communications, computer systems, and hardware we specify for use in the operation of your Restaurant.
Does the franchisor have independent access to the data in the franchisee's POS or computer system?
YesItem 11
We reserve the right to have independent access to any data you collect electronically.
Sales and CRM
Must the franchisee use a CRM system designated or approved by the franchisor?
YesItem 8
In addition, you must purchase, enroll in or subscribe to, as applicable, all CRM, social media analytics and online and mobile ordering software or programs that we designate.
Training
Can the franchisor charge the franchisee for additional, refresher or remedial training?
YesItem 11
We may also, at our option, require you, your Operating Principal, your Key Manager, or other managers, to attend supplemental or additional training programs which may be offered from time to time by us or our affiliates during the term of the franchise.
The filing answers no to 3 questions
- Is there a franchisee advisory council, association or committee?Item 11
- Must the franchisee participate in a customer-satisfaction or net-promoter survey program?
- Is attendance at an annual convention or conference mandatory for the franchisee?Franchise agreement
The vendor opportunity at CityBird
CityBird sits inside Thunderdome Restaurant Group alongside sibling brand Airport & College Services.
Who controls software purchasing
Co-founders Johnathan Lanni and Joseph Lanni lead the company named in Item 2, alongside COO Alex Blust, VP of Franchise Development Scotty Geiger, and VP of Operations Kyle Gardner. Of the 9 mapped operators running the system's 12 located units, 3 run more than one location — concentrated in Ohio, with smaller footprints in Washington, New York, Michigan and Indiana — so a real multi-unit layer sits alongside headquarters as a buying center.
Tech named in the FDD, and what is actually required
Item 11 names Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Snapchat, TikTok, Twitter (by X) and YouTube (by Google) as marketing channels. The FDD requires none of them.
Procurement, renewals, and timing
Item 8 runs an approved-supplier-list model and requires franchisees to buy CityBird's proprietary sauces, marinades, branded and proprietary beverages, and packaging directly from the franchisor, along with franchisor-issued gift certificates and cards. It also designates CRM, social-media-analytics and online/mobile-ordering software as items that must run through franchisor-designated programs — a real software-procurement lever even though no specific vendor is named for that category. Renewal runs another 10-year term, conditioned on good standing, a $10,000 renewal fee paid at least five months ahead, and either retaining the site or relocating to an approved location.
How to read the CityBird FDD
The FDD was filed with state franchise regulators in 2025 and makes a financial performance representation under Item 19. Read the full filing in the embedded viewer below, and talk to FranCloud for a ranked list of similar targets.
Ordinary royalty terms
Complete royalty terms are not confirmed.
Questions vendors ask
CityBird, answered from the filing
Read the filing itself
Read the original document for the filing figures and their terms, page by page. Buy the original PDF to download, search, and annotate it.
View only A one-time purchase: the original filing, yours to keep.
FDD alert
Tell me when this brand refiles.
Request an email alert when a newer filing for CityBird is available.
Operator footprint
Who runs the locations
9 operators run 12 mapped locations. 3 of them are multi-unit. Aggregate counts from the filing; no names.
Operators by units owned
Top states by locations
| OH | 5 |
|---|---|
| WA | 2 |
| NY | 1 |
| MI | 1 |
| IN | 1 |
Ownership
The portfolio behind CityBird
Ownership: Thunderdome Restaurant Group.
Sibling brands
Related Quick service restaurant brands
Primary franchise filings · updated September 2026. Read the original filing for definitions, conditions, and qualifications.