Are any of the affiliated franchise programs, such as Arby's or Baskin-Robbins, operating a Carvel franchise?
Carvel Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Through control with private equity funds managed by Roark Capital Management, LLC, an Atlanta-based private equity firm, we are affiliated with the following franchise programs ("Affiliated Programs"). None of these affiliates operate a Carvel franchise.
Source: Item 1 — The Franchisor and any Parents, Predecessors, and Affiliates (FDD pages 9–24)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Carvel's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, none of the affiliated franchise programs operate a Carvel franchise. Carvel is affiliated with several franchise programs through control with private equity funds managed by Roark Capital Management, LLC. These affiliated programs include Inspire Brands, Moe's, Schlotzsky's, School of Rock, and Subway.
Carvel does offer a co-branded opportunity with Cinnabon. A franchisee can operate a Carvel location in conjunction with a Cinnabon franchise. To do so, a franchisee must purchase a Carvel franchise and a Cinnabon franchise, signing franchise agreements with both companies. Carvel will not grant the right to operate a co-branded location unless Cinnabon agrees to offer a Cinnabon franchise at the same location.
For a prospective franchisee, this means that while you cannot directly operate a Carvel franchise in conjunction with brands like Arby's or Baskin-Robbins, the option to co-brand with Cinnabon exists. This co-branding opportunity allows for the combination of Carvel's ice cream products with Cinnabon's baked goods, potentially attracting a broader customer base and increasing revenue. However, it also requires navigating the franchise requirements and agreements of both Carvel and Cinnabon.