What must be paid in full to transfer a Bens Soft Pretzels franchise?

According to the 2025 Bens Soft Pretzels Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee wants to transfer their franchise, they must first pay all outstanding amounts owed to Bens Soft Pretzels, its affiliates, suppliers, or any landlord for the store premises. This also includes any amounts for which Bens Soft Pretzels or its affiliates have any contingent liability.

This condition ensures that Bens Soft Pretzels does not inherit any financial burdens from the transferring franchisee. It protects the brand's financial interests and maintains the financial health of the franchise system. This requirement is fairly standard in franchising, as franchisors typically want to ensure that all debts and obligations are settled before a transfer is approved.

For a prospective franchisee looking to sell their Bens Soft Pretzels franchise in the future, this means keeping meticulous records of all payments and obligations. Any outstanding debts must be cleared before the transfer can proceed. Failure to do so could delay or even prevent the transfer, potentially causing financial losses for the franchisee.