During the Brueggers Bagels agreement term, can I be employed by a Competing Business if Brueggers Bagels approves it in writing?
Brueggers_Bagels Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 11.1. During the Agreement Term. You specifically acknowledge that you will receive valuable, specialized training from us and access to confidential information regarding our operational, sales, promotional, and marketing methods and techniques of the System. You agree that, during the Agreement Term, except as we otherwise approve in writing, you will not, either directly or indirectly, for yourself or through, on behalf of, or in conjunction with any person or legal entity:
- 11.1.1. Own, maintain, operate, engage in, be employed by, provide any assistance to, or have any interest in any Competing Business, as defined below. "Competing Business" includes any entity that is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and whose primary business consists of the sale of pastries, baked goods, and made-to-order café items such as sandwiches, salads, soups, and desserts, and includes such concepts as Panera Bread, Atlanta Bread Company, Corner Bakery, Cosi, Camille's Sidewalk Café, Au Bon Pain, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Manhattan Bagels, McAlister's Deli, Newk's Eatery, Pret A Manger, Café Express and other similar café concepts, but does not include any business that you operate under a valid franchise agreement or license agreement with one of our affiliates; or
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 61)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Brueggers Bagels Franchise Disclosure Document, during the agreement term, franchisees are restricted from being employed by, providing assistance to, or having any interest in a Competing Business, unless Brueggers Bagels provides written approval. A "Competing Business" is defined as any entity open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner whose primary business involves selling pastries, baked goods, and made-to-order café items like sandwiches, salads, soups, and desserts. This includes concepts similar to Panera Bread and Einstein Bros. Bagels.
This restriction ensures that franchisees focus solely on their Brueggers Bagels franchise and do not divert their efforts or share confidential information with competitors. Obtaining written approval from Brueggers Bagels is crucial if a franchisee wishes to engage with a business that could be considered a competitor.
This clause is fairly standard in franchise agreements to protect the brand and prevent conflicts of interest. Franchisees should carefully consider this restriction before signing the agreement, as it could limit their ability to pursue other business opportunities during the term of the franchise agreement. It is important to understand the scope of what Brueggers Bagels considers a "Competing Business" and the process for obtaining written approval to avoid any potential breaches of the agreement.