How does Brueggers Bagels define 'Brand Marketing Fund' and who administers it?

According to Brueggers Bagels' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Brand Marketing Fund is defined as a common pool of funds used for advertising and promotion, to which Brueggers Bagels franchisees contribute. The document specifies that Brueggers Bagels administers this fund as detailed in Section 14 of the agreement.

Brueggers Bagels has the authority to utilize the funds for various costs and expenses at their discretion. These include creating advertising materials for different media, producing promotional items, sponsoring events, managing online presence, securing endorsement contracts, covering salaries and expenses for employees working on marketing, and handling professional and administrative fees related to the fund. They can also use the funds for implementing advertising programs, conducting consumer research, and developing trade dress and design prototypes.

While Brueggers Bagels will seek advice from franchisees regarding creative concepts and media for programs financed by the Brand Marketing Fund, they retain the final decision-making authority on all programs. The document clarifies that the fund is intended to maximize general public recognition and acceptance of Brueggers Bagels outlets. Brueggers Bagels is not obligated to ensure that expenditures benefit each franchisee proportionally to their contribution, and a franchisee cannot reduce their contribution even if they do not perceive a direct benefit from the fund's activities.