For Brueggers Bagels, is prior written approval required before establishing any online site?
Brueggers_Bagels Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Unless we have otherwise approved in writing, you agree to neither establish nor permit any other party to establish an Online Site relating in any manner whatsoever to the Bakery or referring to the Proprietary Marks.
We will have the right, but not the obligation, to provide one or more references or webpage(s), as we may periodically designate, within our Online Site.
The term "Online Site" means one or more related documents, designs, pages, or other communications that can be accessed through electronic means, including, but not limited to, the Internet, World Wide Web, webpages, microsites, social networking sites (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, You Tube, Google Plus, Pinterest, Instagram, etc.), blogs, vlogs, applications to be installed on mobile devices (e.g., iOS or Android apps), and other applications, etc.
However, if we give you our prior written consent to have a separate
Online Site (which we are not obligated to approve), then each of the following provisions shall apply:
9.6.1. You must not establish or use any Online Site without our prior written approval.
9.6.2. Any Online site owned or maintained by or for your benefit will be deemed "marketing" under this Agreement, and will be subject to (among other things) our approval under Section 14.8 below.
9.6.3. Before establishing any Online Site, you must submit to us, for our prior written approval, a sample of the proposed Online Site domain name, format, visible content (including, without limitation, proposed screen shots, links, and other content), and non-visible content (including, without limitation, meta tags, cookies, and other electronic tags) in the form and manner we may reasonably require.
9.6.4. You may not use or modify such Online Site without our prior written approval as to such proposed use or modification.
9.6.5. In addition to any other applicable requirements, you must comply with the standards and specifications for Online Sites that we may periodically prescribe in the Manual or otherwise in writing (including, but not limited to, requirements pertaining to designating us as the sole administrator or co administrator of the Online Site).
9.6.6. If we require, you must establish such hyperlinks to our Online Site and others as we may request in writing.
9.6.7. If we require you to do so, you must make weekly or other periodic updates to our Online Site to reflect information regarding specials and other promotions at your Bakery.
9.6.8. We may require you to make us the sole administrator (or co-administrator) of any social networking pages that you maintain or that are maintained on your behalf, and we will have the right (but not the obligation) to exercise all of the rights and privileges that an administrator may exercise.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 61)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Brueggers Bagels's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees generally cannot establish their own online sites related to the bakery or using Brueggers Bagels's trademarks without written approval from the company. Brueggers Bagels maintains the right to provide its own online presence.
However, if Brueggers Bagels does provide prior written consent for a franchisee to have a separate online site, the franchisee must get written approval before establishing or using any online site. This approval extends to the domain name, format, visible content (such as screenshots and links), and non-visible content (like meta tags and cookies).
Furthermore, franchisees cannot modify their online site without prior written approval from Brueggers Bagels. Franchisees must also adhere to any standards and specifications for online sites that Brueggers Bagels prescribes in the manual or in writing, including potentially designating Brueggers Bagels as the sole administrator or co-administrator of the site. Brueggers Bagels may also require franchisees to establish hyperlinks to Brueggers Bagels's own online site and to make regular updates to reflect specials and promotions at the franchisee's bakery. Brueggers Bagels also has the right to become the sole or co-administrator of any social networking pages maintained by or on behalf of the franchisee, with full administrative rights.