Does 7 Brew have the right to require the formation of advertising cooperatives?
7_Brew Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We do not require you to spend any minimum amount to advertise and promote your Store locally. We do not have the right to require the formation of advertising cooperatives, and there are none. All Marketing Materials and advertising, marketing, and promotional activities must be legal and not misleading and conform to our policies. To protect the goodwill that we and our affiliates have accumulated in the "7 BREW" name and other Marks, before using them you must send us samples or proofs of all Marketing Materials that we did not prepare or already approve or that we prepared or approved but you want to change in any way. You may not use any
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 34–45)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to 7 Brew's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are not required to join an advertising cooperative. Specifically, 7 Brew states that it does not have the right to mandate the creation of advertising cooperatives. As of the FDD date, no advertising cooperatives exist within the 7 Brew franchise system.
Even though franchisees are not required to participate in advertising cooperatives, any local marketing and advertising materials must still adhere to 7 Brew's policies. Franchisees must submit samples or proofs of marketing materials that 7 Brew did not prepare or approve, or that the franchisee wants to change, for approval. 7 Brew retains the right to ask franchisees to stop using previously approved marketing materials with 30 days' notice.
7 Brew also has the right to form, change, dissolve, or merge any franchisee advertising council. This is separate from advertising cooperatives, as advertising councils advise 7 Brew on advertising and marketing policies and programs, rather than pooling funds for local advertising efforts.