Does Bimbo Foods Bakeries Distribution have the right to approve my employees or independent contractors?

According to the 2025 FDD, Bimbo Foods Bakeries Distribution's Distribution Agreement states that as an independent contractor, the Distributor has the right to operate its business using its own judgment and discretion to determine the methods to be used to achieve the results required by the agreement. The Distributor bears all risks and costs of operating such business. The agreement explicitly states that the Distributor has no authority to retain any person on behalf of Bimbo Foods Bakeries Distribution, and Bimbo Foods Bakeries Distribution has no authority to retain any person on behalf of the Distributor.

This means that as a Bimbo Foods Bakeries Distribution distributor, you have the autonomy to make your own hiring decisions without needing approval from Bimbo Foods Bakeries Distribution. You are responsible for the costs and risks associated with your personnel. This independence is a key characteristic of the independent contractor relationship as defined in the agreement.

This arrangement is typical in many franchise and distribution agreements, where the franchisee or distributor operates as a separate business entity. However, it's important to ensure that your hiring and employment practices comply with all applicable laws and regulations. While Bimbo Foods Bakeries Distribution does not control your hiring decisions, you are still responsible for managing your employees or contractors in a legal and ethical manner.