Cocoa Show franchisees report the climate of “sect” within the largest franchise network in Brazil, with punishments for those who question the company’s norms and practices. Who commands most of the devotional moments is Alexandre Tadeu da Costa, known as Alê Costa, founder and CEO of Cocoa Show – which today has more than 4,000 units spread across the country.
Cocoa Show: franchisees claim that network works as a “sect”/Photo: Reproduction
The reality of them, however, is quite different from that presented by Alê Costa on social networks and interviews in specialized business programs. Franchisees report, for example, that by complaining about problems, such as charges or changes in the value of the products, they began to be chased by receiving chocolates to sell with expiration near expanding and low -exit products. Situation that often makes it impossible for franchises to function and leads entrepreneurs to close their doors.
In court, Cocoa Show accumulates proceedings for improper charges and for not providing products properly for franchised stores. In which case the retaliation becomes even more rigid. Process that is being processed at the 25th Civil Court of Brasilia shows that punishments such as credit withdrawal – forcing franchisees to buy products in cash – is institutionalized, with contractual forecast.
“It is unequivocal that the defendant’s internal policy [Cacau Show] It violates the constitutional principle of professional freedom, since the restriction of credit for exclusive supply of products, an essential instrument of economic activity, on the grounds of judicial disputes between franchisee and franchisor, is not supported in a suitable reason and constitutes mere revanchism, arbitrary use of the reasons themselves, whose purpose is otherwise inhibiting the legitimate constitutional right of action of action action. [franqueados]which also violates the constitutional principle of the inability of jurisdiction, ”said Judge Julio Roberto dos Reis.
Dissatisfied, franchisees have created a profile on a social network to share reports. The page was named “sweet bitterness”. The guardian, who is still franchised, afraid of new retaliation, opted for a pseudonym. She, however, was surprised by a visit by Cocoa Show vice president, Túlio Freitas. Her store, in the interior of São Paulo, is more than 600 km from the company’s headquarters. According to her, the vice president asked her “what was needed” for her to stop. Now she tries, in court, to terminate her contract with Cocoa Show.
After the publication of the text, the Cocoa Show stated, by note, that “it does not recognize the allegations presented by the sweet bitter profile on social networks.“ We are a brand built on mutual trust, respect and genuine connection with our franchisees, ”says the statement.
“Each experience is unique and personal. We value close, transparent and always based relationships – pillars that support our joint growth and make it possible to build an entrepreneurial journey full of achievements and special moments.”
The text also states that “Commercial Director, Túlio Freitas, makes visits to stores as part of his attributions, with the objective of strengthening the relationship with franchisees and understanding the needs of the business.” “These visits are made professional and have no relation to the profile mentioned.”
“We do not compromise with any conduct that contradict these values. We follow firm in our purpose: we live to touch people’s lives together, sharing special moments,” the note concludes.
Watch the video:
