Does Auntie Annes have sole control over the media used in advertising programs?

According to Auntie Annes's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, Auntie Annes maintains sole discretion over the media used in its advertising programs. Specifically, Auntie Annes has the authority to direct all advertising programs and promotions, including complete control over the creative concepts, materials, and media utilized. They also have control over the placement and allocation of advertising. This extends to digital marketing, where Auntie Annes has the sole right to control all aspects, even those related to an individual franchisee's shop.

This level of control means that franchisees must adhere to Auntie Annes's standards and content requirements for any local advertising they are permitted to conduct. Franchisees must obtain approval for any advertising and promotional content they intend to use, and Auntie Annes has the right to disapprove or require discontinuation of any content at its discretion. This includes the media in which the advertising is used.

While franchisees are obligated to contribute to the Ad Fund, Auntie Annes is not obligated to spend the Ad Fund in a manner proportionate to a franchisee's contributions or ensure that a franchisee benefits directly from the advertising. Auntie Annes has the right to allocate advertising expenditures to any regions or locales they deem appropriate. This centralized control allows Auntie Annes to maintain brand consistency and optimize advertising efforts across the entire system, but it also limits the franchisee's autonomy in local marketing initiatives.