Who pays the fees for third-party food safety audits for a Brueggers Bagels franchise?
Brueggers_Bagels Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must submit to culinary, administrative, quality of operations, and sanitation audits and safety inspections by us and third party auditors that we may select. We and our third party auditors may, at any time, access your Bakeries for the purpose of assessing compliance with our standards, specifications, requirements and instructions or for any other reason. We will attempt to minimize any disruptions to the operation of the Bakeries during these audits. We have the right to change the vendor and the inspection schedule at any time. This is in addition to our own right to inspect the premises and operations at any time. You agree to pay all fees due to us or the vendor for third party food safety audits, including fees for services, audit failure, or non-compliance with vendors.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 25–29)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Brueggers Bagels's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are responsible for paying the fees associated with third-party food safety audits. Brueggers Bagels retains the right to conduct culinary, administrative, quality of operations, sanitation audits, and safety inspections, either directly or through third-party auditors of their choosing.
This means that as a Brueggers Bagels franchisee, you must allow Brueggers Bagels and their chosen third-party auditors access to your bakery for assessments of compliance with their standards and requirements. While Brueggers Bagels will attempt to minimize disruptions during these audits, you are obligated to cover all fees due to either Brueggers Bagels or the third-party vendor.
These fees include those for services rendered, costs incurred due to audit failures, or any non-compliance issues identified by the vendors. This is in addition to Brueggers Bagels's own right to inspect the premises and operations at any time. This requirement ensures that franchisees maintain the brand's standards for food safety and operational quality, but it also represents a potentially significant ongoing expense for the franchisee.