Under what condition is the initial franchise fee for Bananas Smoothies Frozen Yogurt non-refundable?

According to the 2025 Bananas Smoothies Frozen Yogurt FDD, the initial franchise fee is generally non-refundable once paid. Specifically, the FDD states that the initial franchise fee is fully earned when paid to Bananas Smoothies Frozen Yogurt.

This means that a prospective franchisee should be certain about their decision before signing the Franchise Agreement and paying the initial franchise fee, as there are very limited circumstances in which a refund would be provided. This is a common practice in franchising, as the initial fee compensates the franchisor for the costs and efforts involved in granting the franchise.

It is important for potential Bananas Smoothies Frozen Yogurt franchisees to carefully review the Franchise Agreement and FDD, and to seek professional legal and financial advice before making this significant investment. Understanding the conditions under which fees are refundable (or non-refundable) is a crucial part of the due diligence process.