Under what condition is a Brueggers Bagels franchisee prohibited from submitting a written request for supplier approval?

According to Brueggers Bagels' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee cannot submit a written request for supplier approval if Brueggers Bagels has already designated a specific vendor for that particular item. This restriction is in place to allow Brueggers Bagels to take advantage of marketplace efficiencies.

This means that for certain products or services deemed critical to the Brueggers Bagels system, the franchisee must use the supplier chosen by the franchisor. This could include items such as food product distribution or soft drinks. Brueggers Bagels retains the right to designate a single supplier, which could be themselves or an affiliate, for these items.

However, if Brueggers Bagels does not require the franchisee to use a designated or approved vendor for a specific item, the franchisee has the freedom to purchase that item from any vendor they choose, provided that the purchases conform to Brueggers Bagels' standards and specifications. Brueggers Bagels also retains the right to restrict the sourcing of current and future items.

Prospective franchisees should be aware that Brueggers Bagels and its affiliates may profit from the sale of products and services to franchisees or receive rebates from unaffiliated vendors based on franchisee purchases. It is important for potential franchisees to understand which items are subject to mandatory sourcing and to evaluate the potential impact on their costs and profitability.