Who administers the Auntie Annes Ad Fund?

According to Auntie Annes's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Ad Fund is administered either by Auntie Annes or one of its affiliates. Auntie Annes retains sole authority to direct all advertising programs, promotions, and the utilization of the Ad Fund. This includes complete control over the creative concepts, materials, media selection, and the allocation of advertising resources.

This means that as a franchisee, you will be required to contribute to the Ad Fund, but Auntie Annes has the final say on how those funds are spent. While the Auntie Anne's Franchise Advisory Council provides suggestions on advertising issues, it is advisory only and does not have decision-making authority. Auntie Anne's also reserves the right to modify or terminate the Franchise Advisory Council or any other advertising or advisory council at any time.

Auntie Anne's also has the right to use any media, create any programs, and allocate advertising and promotional expenditures to any regions or locales it deems appropriate. Auntie Anne's is not obligated to spend the Ad Fund in a manner that is proportionate or equivalent to your contributions, ensure that you benefit directly or proportionately or in any amount from the placement of advertising, or ensure that any advertising impacts or penetrates your area. This gives Auntie Anne's significant flexibility in how it manages advertising and promotional activities, but it also means that franchisees have limited control over how their contributions are used.