What is the purpose of the Burneys Sweets More Brand Fund?
Burneys_Sweets_More Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Brand Fund. We have established the Brand Fund to support the development of new recipes and franchisee revenue sources, the evaluation and adoption of new technology, and the creation of marketing content and public relations materials, as we, in our sole discretion, deem appropriate for the benefit of the brand. (Franchise Agreement Sections 8 (a)(ii) and 8(b))
The contribution is currently 0.5% of monthly Gross Sales. We reserve the right to raise the contribution to the Brand Fund, but not to exceed 1.5% of your Gross Sales. We may at our discretion defer Brand Fund contributions for you or another franchisee for an additional period of time we deem appropriate at the outset of your or their Shop. Other franchisees' Brand Fund contributions may be calculated at a different rate or on a different basis and, under limited circumstances, certain franchisees may not be required to pay Brand Fund fees. We have the sole discretion to settle or forgive any accrued and unpaid Brand Fund contributions owed by a franchisee.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 25–33)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Burneys Sweets More's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Brand Fund supports the development of new recipes and franchisee revenue sources. It also aids in the evaluation and adoption of new technology, as well as the creation of marketing content and public relations materials. The franchisor has sole discretion in determining how the Brand Fund is used, ensuring it benefits the brand.
The Brand Fund contributions are currently 0.5% of monthly Gross Sales, but Burneys Sweets More reserves the right to increase this contribution up to 1.5% of Gross Sales. The franchisor may defer Brand Fund contributions for certain franchisees and may calculate contributions at different rates or even waive them under specific circumstances.
Burneys Sweets More retains the right to establish a non-profit corporation or other business entity to manage the Brand Fund. The fund is administered by the franchisor's accounting and marketing personnel and is not audited. However, franchisees can request an annual accounting report from the Chief Executive Officer. The Brand Fund may borrow or invest funds to cover deficits or for future use, respectively. While the Brand Fund is not intended for advertising that primarily solicits franchisees, it can be used for public relations, website maintenance, and including franchise availability notices in advertisements.