Item 1: the Franchisor, Parents, Predecessors, and Affiliates
To simplify the language, this disclosure document uses “we” or “us” to mean Belmont Mufflers, Inc.,
the franchisor. “You” means the individual, corporation, or other entity that buys a Belmont Muffler franchise.
Franchisor, Parent, and Affiliates
We conduct business under the name Belmont Muffler Shops. Our principal business address is 111 First Street, Jackson, Minnesota 55000. W e are a Minnesota corporation that was incorporated on September 3, 1983. W e do not conduct business under any other name.
Our corporate parent is CTF International, Inc. Its principal business address is 100 Main Street, Chicago, Illinois 77000.
Our affiliate is Belmont Muffler Manufacturers, Inc. Its principal business address is 222 Second Street, Jackson, Minnesota 55000. Belmont Muffler Manufacturers produces and supplies mufflers and related parts to Belmont and other muffler shops.
Agent for Service of Process
Our agent for service of process is Mr. John Smith. His principal business address is 185 Westfield Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota 55111.
Prior Experience
We started operating muffler businesses in 1983. W e started to sell Belmont Muffler Shops franchises in 1993. W e currently own and operate 12 Belmont Muffler Shops. Each of these shops is located in urban areas, has approximately 8,000 square feet of floor space, and is located on a busy street. We also sell pipe bending machines, mufflers, and related automotive parts to various muffler shops. Since 1983, Belmont Muffler Manufacturers, Inc., has been providing mufflers and related parts to muffler shops, including Belmont Muffler Shops franchises. It does not offer or sell franchises in any line of business.
From 1993 to 2003, we also offered franchises for “Repair-All Transmission Shops.” “Repair-All” franchises repaired and replaced motor vehicle transmissions under a marketing plan similar to the franchise offered in this document. Belmont sold 40 of these franchises, primarily in Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Illinois. In 2003, Belmont sold this transmission repair company to CTF International, Inc., which no longer offers new “Repair-All” franchises for sale.
The Business We Offer
Your muffler shop franchise will sell and install mufflers, and related automotive parts and service to the general public. You must honor our guarantee to replace mufflers or exhaust pipes that wear out if the vehicle ownership has not changed. Our franchisees often operate their muffler shop franchise with their service stations or tire center. The market for muffler repair is fully developed. Your competitors include department store service departments, service stations, and other national chains of muffler shops.
Applicable Regulations
You must comply with federal, state, and local health and environmental safety regulations concerning the proper handling and disposal of oils, lubricants, cleaning fluids, and other products used in the business. You should investigate the application of these laws further.
