An Area Developer (or AD) is an entrepreneur who purchases the exclusive rights to a large
regional territory. The AD recruits new franchisees and helps them open their locations in this
exclusive territory, following an agreed upon schedule. The AD is trained by the Franchisor in
how to perform the various services to be provided to these franchisees. The AD may but is not
required to open a pilot unit, hires a manager to operate it, and uses the pilot unit as a showcase
for the operation of the business in the local market