According to the 2025 Bens Soft Pretzels FDD, Chapter 4 of the manual specifically addresses the pre-opening timetable and obligations for franchisees. This chapter is titled "Pre-opening Timetable & Obligations" and starts on page 22 of the manual, as indicated in the table of contents.

Prospective franchisees should carefully review this chapter to understand the specific steps and deadlines they must meet before opening their Bens Soft Pretzels store. This includes tasks such as site selection, lease negotiation, securing financing, completing leasehold improvements, and hiring and training employees. Adhering to this timetable is crucial for a smooth and timely store opening.

Understanding these obligations is essential, as failure to meet certain deadlines, such as providing a fully signed lease within 180 days of the Franchise Agreement or commencing operations within 365 days, can lead to automatic termination of the Franchise Agreement. This highlights the importance of proactive planning and diligent execution of pre-opening tasks.