Does Bens Soft Pretzels assume liability for services rendered by approved suppliers?
Bens_Soft_Pretzels Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You acknowledge that you are an independent business and solely responsible for control and management of your Store, including, but not limited to, the hiring and discharging of your employees and setting and paying wages and benefits of your employees. You acknowledge that we have no power, responsibility or liability in respect to the hiring, discharging, setting and paying of wages or related matters.
You must immediately notify us in writing of any claim, litigation or proceeding that arises from or affects the operation or financial condition of your BEN'S SOFT PRETZELS business or Store, including any notices of health code violations or other license violations.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 46–47)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
Based on the 2025 Bens Soft Pretzels Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are responsible for the control and management of their store. This includes the hiring and discharging of employees, as well as setting and paying their wages and benefits. Bens Soft Pretzels explicitly states that they have no power, responsibility, or liability in these areas.
This indicates that Bens Soft Pretzels does not assume liability for the services rendered by the franchisee's employees. The franchisee operates as an independent business, and is therefore responsible for compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances. This includes securing and maintaining all required licenses, permits, and certificates related to the store.
Furthermore, the franchisee is required to notify Bens Soft Pretzels in writing of any claim, litigation, or proceeding that arises from or affects the operation or financial condition of their Bens Soft Pretzels business or store. This includes any notices of health code violations or other license violations. This notification requirement underscores the franchisee's responsibility for the store's operations and any liabilities that may arise from those operations.