Who is responsible for the training expenses of the assignee when transferring a Bens Soft Pretzels franchise?

According to the 2025 Bens Soft Pretzels Franchise Disclosure Document, when a franchisee transfers their franchise to a new owner (assignee), the responsibility for covering the training expenses of that assignee can fall on either the current franchisee or the assignee themselves.

Specifically, the FDD states that as a condition of the transfer, the assignee must comply with the training requirements outlined in another section of the agreement. The cost of this training must be covered either by the current franchisee who is transferring the business, or by the assignee, the new franchisee taking over the operations. The decision of who pays is determined by the agreement between the two parties.

This arrangement is fairly typical in franchising, as the franchisor wants to ensure the new owner is properly trained but doesn't necessarily want to bear the cost. Prospective franchisees should negotiate carefully during the transfer process to clarify who will be responsible for these training expenses, as it can impact the overall cost of acquiring the franchise.