Can the 'Confidential Information' for a Carbones Pizzeria franchise be changed by the Franchisor?
Carbones_Pizzeria Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
The following definitions shall apply to this Agreement:
- b. Confidential Information. The term "Confidential Information" means all business plans and methods developed by Franchisor and its affiliates to be used in connection with the operation of a restaurant or other facility operated under the Names and Marks, including the Secret Recipes, any other recipes, standards, specifications, methods, procedures, techniques, sourcing, technology, and management systems, all of which may be changed, improved, and further developed from time to time by Franchisor, and all information contained in Franchisor's Operations Manual as it may be amended from time to time by Franchisor (the "Manual").
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 30–116)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Carbones Pizzeria Franchise Disclosure Document, the definition of "Confidential Information" includes business plans, methods, recipes, standards, specifications, methods, procedures, techniques, sourcing, technology, and management systems. The FDD states that all of these elements "may be changed, improved, and further developed from time to time by Franchisor." This means that Carbones Pizzeria retains the right to modify its confidential information at any time.
For a prospective franchisee, this means that the specific details of how a Carbones Pizzeria franchise operates can evolve over time. The franchisee is obligated to keep all confidential information secret, only sharing it with employees as necessary for their job duties.
This also means that the franchisee must stay up-to-date with any changes to the Carbone System and Operations Manual, as these are considered Confidential Information. Failure to comply with these changes or maintain the secrecy of the information could result in damage to Carbones Pizzeria, potentially leading to legal action such as injunctive relief.