What is included in the definition of the 'Approved Suppliers List' for Bens Soft Pretzels?
Bens_Soft_Pretzels Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We provide you with a list of approved manufacturers, suppliers and distributors ("Approved Suppliers List") and approved inventory products, food products, uniforms, fixtures, furniture, equipment, signs, stationery, supplies and other items or services necessary to operate the Store ("Approved Supplies List"). The Approved Supplies List may identify the specific manufacturer or supplier of a specific product or piece of equipment.
Our Approved Supplies List also may include other specific products without reference to a particular manufacturer or supplier, or it may set forth the specifications and/or standards for other approved products. We may revise the Approved Suppliers List and Approved Supplies List. We give you the approved lists as we deem advisable. We generally do not give these lists to approved suppliers. As of the date of this Disclosure Document you are not required to purchase any products, supplies or materials from us or our affiliates, but we reserve this right in the future.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 18–22)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bens Soft Pretzels's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the "Approved Suppliers List" includes a list of approved manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors. This list encompasses approved inventory products, food products, uniforms, fixtures, furniture, equipment, signs, stationery, supplies, and other items or services necessary to operate the store. The Approved Suppliers List may specify the manufacturer or supplier for a particular product or piece of equipment.
Additionally, the Approved Suppliers List may include specific products without naming a particular manufacturer or supplier. It can also set forth the specifications and standards for other approved products. Bens Soft Pretzels retains the right to revise both the Approved Suppliers List and the Approved Supplies List as deemed advisable.
Prospective franchisees should understand that while Bens Soft Pretzels provides these lists, they do not generally provide them to the approved suppliers themselves. As of the date of the 2025 Disclosure Document, franchisees are not required to purchase any products, supplies, or materials from Bens Soft Pretzels or its affiliates; however, Bens Soft Pretzels reserves the right to implement such a requirement in the future.