Does the term 'supplier' in the Big Apple Bagels agreement include both the manufacturer and the distributor?

According to Big Apple Bagels' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the term 'supplier' is broadly defined. When the agreement refers to Big Apple Bagels' right to designate or approve suppliers from whom a franchisee must purchase products or services, the term includes both the manufacturer and the distributor of those products or services.

This means that Big Apple Bagels has the authority to approve or disapprove not only the companies that make the products franchisees use, but also the companies that distribute those products. This control allows Big Apple Bagels to maintain quality standards and consistency across all franchise locations.

For a prospective franchisee, this implies that they must purchase goods from suppliers (both manufacturers and distributors) approved by Big Apple Bagels. A franchisee cannot independently choose a supplier, even if that supplier offers a lower price or seemingly equivalent product, without first obtaining approval from Big Apple Bagels. This requirement is in place to ensure that all Big Apple Bagels locations maintain a consistent brand image and product quality.