What is my obligation when Auntie Annes provides notice of changes to specifications, Standards, or Manuals?
Auntie_Annes Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
- 4. Update Standards and Manuals. We will provide you with notice of any changes to our specifications, Standards, or the Manuals. You must immediately adopt any supplements to the Manuals that we provide to you. (Franchise Agreement, Section 8.3)
Manuals
The Manuals contain mandatory and suggested specifications, standards, and operating procedures. The Manuals are confidential, remain our property, and must be kept secure. The Manuals are currently provided electronically through the Learning Management System. Currently, you must pay a license fee to our Approved Supplier in order to use such system. We will give you an opportunity to view the Manuals in the corporate office or at another agreed-upon location before you purchase a franchise, if you so request.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 61–77)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Auntie Annes's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, as a franchisee, you must immediately adopt any supplements to the Manuals that Auntie Annes provides to you. Auntie Annes will provide you with notice of any changes to their specifications, Standards, or the Manuals. The Manuals contain mandatory and suggested specifications, standards, and operating procedures.
These manuals are confidential and remain the property of Auntie Annes, and franchisees must keep them secure. Currently, the manuals are provided electronically through the Learning Management System, and franchisees must pay a license fee to an Approved Supplier to use the system. However, Auntie Annes will allow prospective franchisees to view the manuals at the corporate office or another agreed-upon location before purchasing a franchise, if requested.
This means that Auntie Annes franchisees are obligated to stay up-to-date with any changes Auntie Annes makes to its operational guidelines. Failing to adhere to these updates could result in non-compliance with the franchise agreement, potentially leading to penalties or termination of the franchise.