Is the annual statement of the Bens Soft Pretzels Advertising Fund audited?

According to the 2025 Bens Soft Pretzels Franchise Disclosure Document, each advertising cooperative will be required to prepare annual financial statements. These statements must be made available to all members of the cooperative and to Bens Soft Pretzels upon request.

However, the FDD does not explicitly state whether these annual financial statements are required to be audited. This means that while financial statements are prepared and shared, there is no guarantee within the agreement that an independent audit will verify the accuracy and completeness of these statements.

A prospective Bens Soft Pretzels franchisee should inquire with the franchisor about whether these financial statements are audited, and if not, what measures are in place to ensure the accuracy and transparency of the advertising fund's financial reporting. This is a crucial question for franchisees to ensure proper oversight and accountability of the advertising funds they contribute to.