Does Carvel have the ability to add or change Approved Suppliers at any time?

According to Carvel's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Carvel has the authority to modify the list of Approved Suppliers whenever they deem necessary. This means Carvel franchisees are required to purchase specific items, including products, ingredients, supplies, furniture, fixtures, equipment, and services, from suppliers that Carvel has approved.

This ability allows Carvel to maintain quality control and consistency across all franchise locations. By dictating the suppliers, Carvel can ensure that all franchisees are using products and services that meet their established standards. This can impact a franchisee's operational costs and potentially limit their ability to source cheaper alternatives independently.

For a prospective Carvel franchisee, this means they must adhere to Carvel's approved supplier list and cannot freely choose their own vendors for essential goods and services. While this ensures consistency, it also means franchisees are subject to any pricing or supply changes implemented by the approved suppliers. It is important for potential franchisees to understand the implications of these restrictions on their business operations and profitability.