If there is a dispute about the contents of the Brueggers Bagels manuals, which copies will be controlling?

According to the 2025 Brueggers Bagels FDD, in the event of a dispute regarding the content of the manuals, the master copies maintained by Brueggers Bagels at their principal offices will be the controlling version. This means that if there's any discrepancy between the manuals a franchisee has and the official version held by the franchisor, the franchisor's version will be considered the correct and binding one.

This clause is important for prospective franchisees because it highlights the need to keep their manuals updated and to adhere to any changes communicated by Brueggers Bagels. Franchisees are responsible for updating their manuals to reflect the most current standards and procedures. Failing to do so could result in non-compliance with the franchise agreement, as the franchisor's master copy is the ultimate authority.

It is a fairly standard practice in franchising for the franchisor to maintain a master copy of the operations manual. This ensures consistency across all franchise locations and allows the franchisor to implement changes and updates as needed. Franchisees should regularly check for updates and clarifications from Brueggers Bagels to ensure they are following the most current guidelines. This also underscores the importance of clear communication channels between the franchisee and franchisor to address any ambiguities or discrepancies in the manuals.