Financial Release State Effective State Contacts FDD Receipt Statements Agreement Dates We do not provide assistance with respect to the hiring of your employees. Advertising We encourage, but do not require, that you advertise and promote the Store on a local level. Any local advertising must be conducted in the media, type, and format that we have approved, must be conducted in a dignified manner, and must conform to our standards and requirements, as we may specify in the Manuals or otherwise in writing. You may not use any advertising or promotional plans that we have not approved in writing. You must submit to us samples of all proposed plans and materials (unless, within the previous six months, we prepared or already approved the plans or materials). We will ordinarily provide you with our response (whether approval or disapproval) to the proposed plans or materials within 14 days, but if we do not give our approval within 14 days, we will have been deemed to disapprove the plans or materials. We may periodically make available to you, for purchase, certain advertising plans and promotional materials for your use in Local Advertising and Promotion. We do not require you to contribute to an advertising fund or to an advertising cooperative. There is no advertising council in existence but we reserve the right to form one. Computer Systems Currently, the required hardware for the Computer System includes a Verifone, NCR or Gilbarco cash register, whose main function is to record sales and other transactions. We will supply, and maintain in working condition, your Computer System. We may modify, upgrade, or replace the Computer System at any time, and you must promptly confirm to all changes. We will have independent access to the data collected by your Computer System. There are no contractual limitations on our right to access this information. Currently, you do not have to pay any initial or on-going payments required in connection with the Computer System. We reserve the right to have immediate, independent access to information in the data that is monitored by the Computer System and that is electronically collected. There are no contractual limitations to our right to access the information and data. All data that you provide, that we obtain from the Computer System, or that we otherwise collect from you, is owned exclusively by us, and we will have the right use that data for any reasonable business purpose that we deem appropriate without compensating you. You must use our designated internet service provider in connection with the Computer System and your operation of the Store and ensure that the Computer System is connected to the internet at all times. In addition, you must use the equipment and participate in the cash control processes as we may require periodically. These requirements currently include using a designated “smart safe” program that works in conjunction with our designated banking institution and coordinates the delivery and pick up of funds from the Store. Manuals We will allow you to inspect a copy of our Manuals before signing the Franchise Agreement. We will require you to sign a confidentiality agreement before reviewing the Manuals; a copy of this agreement is attached to the Franchise Agreement as Attachment E. Site Selection We choose the location of your DASH IN Store, and the Approved Location for your DASH IN Store will be specified in the Franchise Agreement when you sign it. We own or will acquire or lease the Approved Location for the DASH IN Store. We will construct or remodel the premises to our specifications for DASH IN Stores and will authorize you to operate a fully-equipped DASH IN Store at the Approved Location. Dash In Food Stores 2024 FDD page 17 QB\87110182.2 Dash In Lease & FDD Franchise Agreement Car Wash Agreement List of Franchisees Mgmt. Fee Agmt.
From the filings
Dash In Food Centers 2024 MD VA Exemption
Retail foodSoftware purchasing at Dash In Food Centers is controlled at the corporate level by The Wills Group, Inc. The chain already mandates Gilbarco, NCR, and Verifone across its 54 locations (39 franchised, 15 company-owned). For vendors, this means a concentrated addressable market with a clear technology stack and a single buying center in Maryland.
For software vendors selling into US franchise brands.
Live signals
Ordinary royalty terms
Complete royalty 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.
Financial Release State Effective State Contacts FDD Receipt Statements Agreement Dates We do not provide assistance with respect to the hiring of your employees. Advertising We encourage, but do not require, that you advertise and promote the Store on a local level. Any local advertising must be conducted in the media, type, and format that we have approved, must be conducted in a dignified manner, and must conform to our standards and requirements, as we may specify in the Manuals or otherwise in writing. You may not use any advertising or promotional plans that we have not approved in writing. You must submit to us samples of all proposed plans and materials (unless, within the previous six months, we prepared or already approved the plans or materials). We will ordinarily provide you with our response (whether approval or disapproval) to the proposed plans or materials within 14 days, but if we do not give our approval within 14 days, we will have been deemed to disapprove the plans or materials. We may periodically make available to you, for purchase, certain advertising plans and promotional materials for your use in Local Advertising and Promotion. We do not require you to contribute to an advertising fund or to an advertising cooperative. There is no advertising council in existence but we reserve the right to form one. Computer Systems Currently, the required hardware for the Computer System includes a Verifone, NCR or Gilbarco cash register, whose main function is to record sales and other transactions. We will supply, and maintain in working condition, your Computer System. We may modify, upgrade, or replace the Computer System at any time, and you must promptly confirm to all changes. We will have independent access to the data collected by your Computer System. There are no contractual limitations on our right to access this information. Currently, you do not have to pay any initial or on-going payments required in connection with the Computer System. We reserve the right to have immediate, independent access to information in the data that is monitored by the Computer System and that is electronically collected. There are no contractual limitations to our right to access the information and data. All data that you provide, that we obtain from the Computer System, or that we otherwise collect from you, is owned exclusively by us, and we will have the right use that data for any reasonable business purpose that we deem appropriate without compensating you. You must use our designated internet service provider in connection with the Computer System and your operation of the Store and ensure that the Computer System is connected to the internet at all times. In addition, you must use the equipment and participate in the cash control processes as we may require periodically. These requirements currently include using a designated “smart safe” program that works in conjunction with our designated banking institution and coordinates the delivery and pick up of funds from the Store. Manuals We will allow you to inspect a copy of our Manuals before signing the Franchise Agreement. We will require you to sign a confidentiality agreement before reviewing the Manuals; a copy of this agreement is attached to the Franchise Agreement as Attachment E. Site Selection We choose the location of your DASH IN Store, and the Approved Location for your DASH IN Store will be specified in the Franchise Agreement when you sign it. We own or will acquire or lease the Approved Location for the DASH IN Store. We will construct or remodel the premises to our specifications for DASH IN Stores and will authorize you to operate a fully-equipped DASH IN Store at the Approved Location. Dash In Food Stores 2024 FDD page 17 QB\87110182.2 Dash In Lease & FDD Franchise Agreement Car Wash Agreement List of Franchisees Mgmt. Fee Agmt.
Financial Release State Effective State Contacts FDD Receipt Statements Agreement Dates We do not provide assistance with respect to the hiring of your employees. Advertising We encourage, but do not require, that you advertise and promote the Store on a local level. Any local advertising must be conducted in the media, type, and format that we have approved, must be conducted in a dignified manner, and must conform to our standards and requirements, as we may specify in the Manuals or otherwise in writing. You may not use any advertising or promotional plans that we have not approved in writing. You must submit to us samples of all proposed plans and materials (unless, within the previous six months, we prepared or already approved the plans or materials). We will ordinarily provide you with our response (whether approval or disapproval) to the proposed plans or materials within 14 days, but if we do not give our approval within 14 days, we will have been deemed to disapprove the plans or materials. We may periodically make available to you, for purchase, certain advertising plans and promotional materials for your use in Local Advertising and Promotion. We do not require you to contribute to an advertising fund or to an advertising cooperative. There is no advertising council in existence but we reserve the right to form one. Computer Systems Currently, the required hardware for the Computer System includes a Verifone, NCR or Gilbarco cash register, whose main function is to record sales and other transactions. We will supply, and maintain in working condition, your Computer System. We may modify, upgrade, or replace the Computer System at any time, and you must promptly confirm to all changes. We will have independent access to the data collected by your Computer System. There are no contractual limitations on our right to access this information. Currently, you do not have to pay any initial or on-going payments required in connection with the Computer System. We reserve the right to have immediate, independent access to information in the data that is monitored by the Computer System and that is electronically collected. There are no contractual limitations to our right to access the information and data. All data that you provide, that we obtain from the Computer System, or that we otherwise collect from you, is owned exclusively by us, and we will have the right use that data for any reasonable business purpose that we deem appropriate without compensating you. You must use our designated internet service provider in connection with the Computer System and your operation of the Store and ensure that the Computer System is connected to the internet at all times. In addition, you must use the equipment and participate in the cash control processes as we may require periodically. These requirements currently include using a designated “smart safe” program that works in conjunction with our designated banking institution and coordinates the delivery and pick up of funds from the Store. Manuals We will allow you to inspect a copy of our Manuals before signing the Franchise Agreement. We will require you to sign a confidentiality agreement before reviewing the Manuals; a copy of this agreement is attached to the Franchise Agreement as Attachment E. Site Selection We choose the location of your DASH IN Store, and the Approved Location for your DASH IN Store will be specified in the Franchise Agreement when you sign it. We own or will acquire or lease the Approved Location for the DASH IN Store. We will construct or remodel the premises to our specifications for DASH IN Stores and will authorize you to operate a fully-equipped DASH IN Store at the Approved Location. Dash In Food Stores 2024 FDD page 17 QB\87110182.2 Dash In Lease & FDD Franchise Agreement Car Wash Agreement List of Franchisees Mgmt. Fee Agmt.
Franchisor behaviours
What the franchisor requires
22 requirements the franchisor states in this filing, each in its own words; 5 explicit no's; 7 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 will have independent access to the data collected by your Computer System.
How the franchisor buys
Is the franchisor or an affiliate itself a supplier of required products, services or systems?
YesItem 8
We may change the number of Designated Distributors at any time and may designate ourselves, an affiliate, or a third party as the exclusive source for any particular item.
Is there a franchisee advisory council, association or committee?
YesItem 20
In October 2016, we created a Franchise Business Advisory Council, which is a body that we created and continue to administer.
Does the franchisor reserve the right to change designated suppliers or systems at any time?
YesItem 17
Franchisor has the right to modify or replace the Computer System at any time, and Franchisee shall utilize and maintain any new or modified Computer System.
How much revenue did the franchisor and its affiliates earn from franchisee purchases in the last fiscal year?
8508671Item 8
In the year ending September 30, 2023, we derived $8,508,671 or 2.0% of our total gross revenues of $423,632,249, from franchisee purchases and/or leases.
Does the franchisor or an affiliate receive rebates, commissions or other revenue from designated or approved suppliers?
YesItem 8
We may profit from your purchases from Designated Distributors, and we and/or our affiliate may receive payments, fees, commissions or reimbursements from approved suppliers or any other supplier in respect of your purchases.
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?
55Item 8
approximately 55% to 90% of your costs in the ongoing operation of the Store.
Does the franchisor charge a fee to evaluate a proposed supplier?
YesItem 6
If you ask us to approve an alternative and Testing Fee product or supplier, we may require you to pay for the cost of inspection or testing.
Can a franchisee propose a new supplier for the franchisor's approval?
YesItem 17
If Franchisee desires to purchase unapproved products, or Approved Products from other than Approved Suppliers, Franchisee shall submit to Franchisor a written request to approve the proposed product or supplier, together with such evidence of conformity with Franchisor specifications as Franchisor may reasonably…
Communications
Does the franchisor own or control the business telephone numbers, or take them over when the agreement ends?
YesFranchise agreement
Franchisee shall assign to Franchisor all telephone numbers, e-name and directory listings associated in any way with the Franchised Store and Marks, and direct the telephone company to transfer all such numbers and listings to Franchisor or its designee pursuant to the Telephone Listing Agreement attached hereto as…
Data and IT
Must the franchisee comply with PCI, data-security or cybersecurity standards set by the franchisor?
YesItem 17
Franchisee shall cause the Franchised Business to meet or exceed, at all times, all applicable security standards developed by the Payment Card Industry Standards Council or its successor and other regulations and industry standards applicable to the protection of customer privacy and credit card information.
Franchise management
Does the franchisor conduct periodic inspections, audits or evaluations of the franchised business?
YesItem 17
Franchisor or its designee, which may be an unrelated third party, may conduct, as it deems advisable, periodic inspections of the Franchised Store
Can the franchisor change the operations manual and brand standards unilaterally?
YesItem 17
Franchisor may from time to time revise the contents of the Manuals, and Franchisee expressly agrees to make corresponding revisions to its Manuals and to comply with each new or changed standard.
Must the franchisor approve the franchisee's site or location before opening?
YesItem 11
We choose the location of your DASH IN Store, and the Approved Location for your DASH IN Store will be specified in the Franchise Agreement when you sign it.
Marketing
Must the franchisee participate in a customer loyalty or rewards program?
YesItem 17
Franchisee shall participate in and offer to the Franchised Store’s customers: (a) customer loyalty and reward programs;
Operations
Must the franchisee buy products from a designated distributor?
YesItem 8
You must purchase from suppliers we designate (which may include a particular commissary or combined distribution center (“CDC”)) (“Designated Distributors”) all Proprietary Products and/or ingredients for the Proprietary Products (such as soft drink syrup), and all containers and supplies bearing our Marks (such as…
Must equipment be purchased from designated or approved suppliers?
YesItem 8
You must purchase from suppliers we designate (which may include a particular commissary or combined distribution center (“CDC”)) (“Designated Distributors”) all Proprietary Products and/or ingredients for the Proprietary Products (such as soft drink syrup), and all containers and supplies bearing our Marks (such as…
Payments
Must the franchisee participate in a gift card program?
YesItem 17
Franchisee shall participate in and offer to the Franchised Store’s customers: (a) customer loyalty and reward programs; (b) all contests, sweepstakes and other prize promotions, (c) all gift card and/or stored value card programs, and (d) all meal deals, product combinations, and price promotions that Franchisor may…
People
Does the franchisor require minimum staffing levels or specific roles?
YesItem 17
Franchisee shall (a) maintain a competent, conscientious, trained staff (who shall have been adequately trained by Franchisee) in numbers sufficient to service customers promptly and properly, including at least a manager or shift leader on duty at all times at which the Franchised Store is open (including daily…
Point of sale
Must the franchisee use a specific point-of-sale system designated or approved by the franchisor?
YesItem 17
Franchisee shall utilize such equipment and participate in such cash control processes as Franchisor may require from time to time.
Does the franchisor have independent access to the data in the franchisee's POS or computer system?
YesItem 11
We will have independent access to the data collected by your Computer System.
Training
Can the franchisor charge the franchisee for additional, refresher or remedial training?
YesFranchise agreement
Franchisor shall provide, at no cost to Franchisee, instructors and materials for the initial and all refresher training required under this Agreement (except training of replacements for the Key Person, for which Franchisor may assess a reasonable per diem training charge, in the event Franchisee requests, or is…
The filing answers no to 5 questions
- Must the franchisee participate in a customer-satisfaction or net-promoter survey program?Item 17
- Is the franchisee prohibited from operating its own website or social media accounts, or required to use pages the franchisor provides?Item 17
- Is a minimum grand opening advertising spend required?Franchise agreement
- Is the franchisee required to spend a minimum amount on local advertising or marketing, as a percentage of sales or a fixed amount?Item 11
- Must the franchisee participate in a regional advertising cooperative when one exists?Item 11
The vendor opportunity at Dash In Food Centers
Dash In Food Centers operates 54 total locations, with 39 franchised and 15 company-owned units. The chain is part of The Wills Group, Inc., a holding company based in Maryland. For software vendors, the addressable market is compact but concentrated: all purchasing decisions flow through a single corporate headquarters, not a fragmented network of multi-unit operators. The most recent Franchise Disclosure Document (2024) shows a year-over-year unit decline of 2.5%, which may signal a period of consolidation rather than rapid expansion. Still, with a 10-year initial franchise term and a renewal window that opens 15 to 18 months before expiration, there are predictable points when technology reevaluation can occur.
Who controls software purchasing
Decision-making authority sits with The Wills Group’s executive team. The 2024 FDD Item 1 lists Julian B. Wills, III as Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer, and Brian Chase as Director of Operations. These are the likely buyers or influencers for any enterprise software pitch. Mark Samuels (Vice President), J.B. “Lock” Wills, Jr. (Treasurer), and Kenneth J. Halperin (Assistant Secretary) round out the named leadership. Because the chain is not operator-mapped in our corpus, vendors should assume a top-down procurement model: HQ evaluates, mandates, and deploys technology across both franchised and company-owned sites.
Mandated and current tech stack
The 2024 FDD mandates three specific technology vendors: Gilbarco, NCR, and Verifone. These systems are required across the network, which means any new software must either integrate with this existing stack or displace an incumbent. Gilbarco typically covers fuel dispenser and forecourt technology; NCR is often the point-of-sale and back-office backbone; Verifone handles payment terminals and security. For a vendor selling complementary or replacement software, the integration surface is well-defined. The mandate also signals that HQ is willing to enforce technology standards, a factor that can shorten sales cycles if you align with their architecture.
Procurement, renewals, and timing
Item 8 of the 2024 FDD does not include a procurement extract, so the formal supplier designation process is not publicly spelled out. Vendors should clarify during initial conversations whether Dash In uses a designated-supplier model, an approved-supplier list, or an open procurement approach. The renewal structure, detailed in Item 17, offers a timing hook: franchisees must give written notice of renewal between 15 and 18 months before the 10-year term ends. They must also execute the then-current franchise agreement, pay a renewal fee equal to 50% of the initial franchise fee, and provide a general release. For software vendors, that renewal window is a natural moment when franchisees—and HQ—may reassess operational tools.
How to read the Dash In FDD
The 2024 Dash In Food Centers FDD is embedded below. It contains the full legal and operational disclosures filed with state franchise regulators. Key sections for software vendors include Item 11 (franchisor’s assistance, advertising, computer systems, and training), which lists the mandated Gilbarco, NCR, and Verifone systems, and Item 1, which names the executives who control purchasing. Item 17 governs renewal and can help you time outreach. For a ranked target list of franchise systems that match your software category, FranCloud can help you prioritize outreach.
Ordinary royalty terms
Complete royalty terms are not confirmed.
Questions vendors ask
Dash In Food Centers 2024 MD VA Exemption, answered from the filing
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Operator footprint
Who runs the locations
29 operators run 33 mapped locations. 4 of them are multi-unit. Aggregate counts from the filing; no names.
Operators by units owned
Top states by locations
| MD | 27 |
|---|---|
| DE | 4 |
| VA | 2 |
Ownership
The portfolio behind Dash In Food Centers 2024 MD VA Exemption
Ownership: The Wills Group.
Related Retail food brands
Primary franchise filings · updated June 2026. Read the original filing for definitions, conditions, and qualifications.