Who owns the confidential systems manuals provided to Brueggers Bagels franchisees?

According to the 2025 Brueggers Bagels Franchise Disclosure Document, the confidential system manuals and all other records containing confidential information, trade secrets, or know-how relating to the Brueggers Bagels system or the operation of a bakery are the property of Brueggers Bagels. This is explicitly stated in the franchise agreement, which requires franchisees to acknowledge this ownership.

Upon termination or expiration of the franchise agreement, the franchisee is obligated to deliver these manuals and records back to Brueggers Bagels. This obligation ensures that the confidential information remains protected and under the control of Brueggers Bagels, preventing unauthorized use or dissemination by former franchisees.

This provision is standard in franchising, as the operations manual contains the franchisor's proprietary methods and knowledge. Requiring franchisees to return the manuals upon termination protects the Brueggers Bagels system and brand. Prospective franchisees should understand that access to these manuals is a privilege granted during the franchise term and ceases upon termination or expiration of the agreement.