What is included in the definition of the 'Approved Supplies 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 Supplies List encompasses a range of items and services necessary for operating a store. This list includes approved inventory products, food products, uniforms, fixtures, furniture, equipment, signs, stationery, and other supplies. The Approved Supplies List may specify particular manufacturers or suppliers for certain products or equipment, or it may outline specifications and standards for approved products without naming a specific manufacturer or supplier. Bens Soft Pretzels retains the right to revise both the Approved Suppliers List and the Approved Supplies List as deemed necessary.
Prospective franchisees should understand that Bens Soft Pretzels maintains control over the sources from which they can purchase essential items for their business. While franchisees can request approval for alternative suppliers, Bens Soft Pretzels has the right to inspect the supplier's facilities and require samples for evaluation. The criteria for approving suppliers are confidential and not disclosed to franchisees, and Bens Soft Pretzels can revoke approval of a supplier at any time, requiring franchisees to immediately cease using or purchasing from the disapproved source.
This system ensures uniformity and quality across all Bens Soft Pretzels locations, but it also limits the franchisee's autonomy in sourcing products and supplies. Franchisees are estimated to spend 90 to 95% of their overall purchases and leases in establishing the Store and 50 to 60% operating the Store in compliance with the approved specifications. While Bens Soft Pretzels may negotiate prices for numerous products for the benefit of the System, there is currently no purchasing or distribution cooperative, although Bens Soft Pretzels reserves the right to create one in the future.