What agreements do I sign with Cinnabon to operate a Carvel Cinnabon Co-Branded Shoppe?
Carvel Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ferred to as a "Co-Branded Shoppe") is a Full Shoppe where you produce and sell a range of Carvel products in conjunction with those products authorized to be sold under the Cinnabon® franchise system. In order to operate a Cinnabon Co-Branded Shoppe, you must (i) purchase a Carvel® franchise from us, sign a Franchise Agreement with us, and sign the Cinnabon Co-Branded Shoppe Schedule, which is attached as Exhibit C to this Disclosure Document (the "Co-Branded Shoppe Schedule") and (ii) purchase a Cinnabon® franchise from Cinnabon and sign a Cinnabon® franchise agreement and co-branded schedule with Cinnabon. The terms of the Cinnabon® franchise offering, franchise agreement, and related agreements that Cinnabon will require you to sign are disclosed in the Cinnabon® Disclosure Document, which you must obtain from Cinnabon. We will not grant you the right to operate a Cinnabon Co-Branded Shoppe, unless Cinnabon agrees to offer you a Cinnabon® franchise and to permit the franchise to be operated at a co-branded location. We also refer to Cinnabon as the "Co-Branded Franchisor," the Cinnabon® franchise as the "Co-Branded Franchise," and the Cinnabon® Franchise Agreement as the "Co-Branded Agreement."
- A Swirl Shoppe is a Co-Branded Shoppe that operates under the Cinnabon Swirl™ mark and trade dress and offers a unique menu that offers traditional Carvel® and Cinnabon® products in addition to hybrid menu items that combine products and ingredients from both brands.
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, to operate a Cinnabon Co-Branded Shoppe, you must purchase a Cinnabon franchise from Cinnabon and sign both a Cinnabon franchise agreement and a co-branded schedule with Cinnabon. The specific terms of these agreements are detailed in Cinnabon's own Franchise Disclosure Document, which Carvel states you must obtain directly from Cinnabon. Carvel will not grant you the right to operate a Cinnabon Co-Branded Shoppe unless Cinnabon agrees to offer you a Cinnabon franchise and allow it to operate at a co-branded location.
This means that becoming a Carvel franchisee with a co-branded location involves a dual franchising arrangement. You are not only bound by the Carvel Franchise Agreement but also by a separate agreement with Cinnabon. This adds complexity, as you must satisfy the requirements of both franchisors. It is critical to carefully review Cinnabon's FDD to understand your obligations, fees, and the specific terms of their franchise agreement and co-branded schedule.
Prospective franchisees should pay close attention to potential conflicts between the two franchise agreements and how operational decisions will be made in the co-branded setting. Understanding the relationship between Carvel and Cinnabon, as well as each company's expectations, is essential for a successful co-branded operation. The FDD also mentions a 'Swirl Shoppe' which operates under the Cinnabon Swirl™ mark and trade dress and offers a unique menu. To operate a Swirl Shoppe, you must purchase a Carvel franchise, sign a Franchise Agreement with Carvel, and sign the Swirl Shoppe Schedule, and purchase a Cinnabon franchise from Cinnabon and sign a Cinnabon franchise agreement and Swirl schedule with Cinnabon.
In summary, operating a co-branded Carvel and Cinnabon location requires navigating two separate franchise systems, each with its own set of rules and requirements. Thorough due diligence of both franchise opportunities is crucial before making a commitment.