Does Bens Soft Pretzels require that the franchisee's sign identifying them as a franchisee include an acknowledgement that they independently own and operate the store?
Bens_Soft_Pretzels Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must post a prominent sign in the Store identifying you as an BEN'S SOFT PRETZELS franchisee in a format we deem reasonably acceptable, including an acknowledgment that you independently own and operate the Store and that the BEN'S SOFT PRETZELS Trademark is owned by us and your use is under a license we have issued to you.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 46–47)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Bens Soft Pretzels Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to post a sign in their store identifying themselves as a Bens Soft Pretzels franchisee. This sign must be in a format that Bens Soft Pretzels deems reasonably acceptable.
Importantly, the sign must include an acknowledgment that the store is independently owned and operated by the franchisee. It must also state that the Bens Soft Pretzels trademark is owned by the franchisor and that the franchisee's use of it is under a license issued by Bens Soft Pretzels.
This requirement ensures that customers understand the store is operated by an independent owner, which is a common practice in franchising. It also protects Bens Soft Pretzels' trademark by clearly stating their ownership and the franchisee's licensed use.