How many votes does each Bens Soft Pretzels store have in the local advertising cooperative?
Bens_Soft_Pretzels Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Each BEN'S SOFT PRETZELS store, including those operated by us or our affiliates within a designated local advertising area (except Special Sites) is a member of the local advertising cooperative and each store has one vote on all matters requiring a vote.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 46–47)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Bens Soft Pretzels Franchise Disclosure Document, each Bens Soft Pretzels store, with the exception of Special Sites, is granted one vote on any matter that requires a vote within a designated local advertising cooperative. This includes stores operated by Bens Soft Pretzels or its affiliates.
This means that franchisees have a direct say in local advertising and marketing strategies through their vote. However, the FDD also states that Bens Soft Pretzels has the right to designate local advertising markets, and franchisees are required to participate and contribute to these cooperative advertising programs if designated. The amount each franchisee must contribute is determined by the cooperative itself.
Bens Soft Pretzels also retains significant control over these advertising cooperatives. The FDD specifies that each cooperative must adopt governing bylaws that meet Bens Soft Pretzels' approval. Furthermore, Bens Soft Pretzels requires the cooperatives to prepare annual financial statements and submit meeting minutes upon request. Bens Soft Pretzels also reserves the right to form, change, dissolve, or merge advertising cooperatives as it sees fit. This ensures that while franchisees have a vote, Bens Soft Pretzels maintains oversight and control over the advertising and marketing efforts within the system.