factual

Can a Carbones Pizzeria franchisee make copies of recipes?

Carbones_Pizzeria Franchise · 2025 FDD

Answer from 2025 FDD Document

a. Franchisor owns or controls secret recipes for the various items which give Carbone's pizzas their uniquely appealing quality, appearance and taste (collectively, the "Secret Recipes"). Franchisor may, under certain circumstances and in Franchisor's sole discretion, agree to provide Franchisee with the Secret Recipes. Franchisee further acknowledges and agrees that the Secret Recipes constitute "trade secrets" within the meaning of the Uniform Trade Secrets Act, as adopted by the State of Minnesota (Minn. Stat. Ch. 325C) and within the meaning of any trade secrets act of any state reasonably similar in scope and application to the Uniform Trade Secrets Act. Franchisee will not reveal the Secret Recipes to anyone other than the employees of Franchisee who need to know to perform their job functions, and then only as is necessary for the proper operation of the Restaurant. Franchisee agrees that no copies of the Secret Recipes shall be made except for the absolute minimum number necessary for the efficient operation of the Restaurant and that when not in use all copies of the Secret Recipes will be locked in a secure container to which only Restaurant managers or owners of Franchisee have access. Prior to revealing any part of the Secret Recipes to any employee or owner Franchisee will obtain from that employee or owner a signed agreement, in form

Source: Item 14 — PATENTS, COPYRIGHTS AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION (FDD pages 22–23)

What This Means (2025 FDD)

According to the 2025 Carbones Pizzeria Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees may make a limited number of copies of the secret recipes. However, this is only for the efficient operation of the restaurant. When these copies are not in use, they must be locked in a secure container accessible only to restaurant managers or owners.

Carbones Pizzeria requires franchisees to treat these recipes as trade secrets. Franchisees must not reveal the secret recipes to anyone other than employees who need to know them to perform their job functions.

Prior to sharing any part of the secret recipes with an employee or owner, the franchisee must obtain a signed agreement from that individual. This agreement is intended to protect the confidentiality of the recipes and prevent unauthorized disclosure.

Disclaimer: This information is extracted from the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document and is provided for research purposes only. It does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with a franchise attorney before making any investment decisions.