What agreements do I sign with Carvel to operate a Swirl Shoppe?
Carvel Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
anded 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. In order to operate a Swirl Shoppe, you must (i) purchase a Carvel® franchise from us, sign a Franchise Agreement with us, and sign the Swirl Shoppe Schedule, which is attached as Exhibit C to this Disclosure Document (the "Swirl Shoppe Schedule") and (ii) purchase a Cinnabon® franchise from Cinnabon and sign a Cinnabon® franchise agreement and Swirl schedule with Cinnabon.
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, operating a Swirl Shoppe requires signing agreements with both Carvel and Cinnabon. Specifically, you must purchase a Carvel franchise and sign a Franchise Agreement with Carvel, along with the Swirl Shoppe Schedule, which is attached as Exhibit C to the FDD. Additionally, you must purchase a Cinnabon franchise and sign a Cinnabon franchise agreement and Swirl schedule with Cinnabon.
This co-branding arrangement means franchisees must meet the requirements of both franchise systems. Carvel will not grant you the right to operate a Swirl Shoppe unless Cinnabon agrees to offer you a Cinnabon franchise and permits it to operate at a co-branded location. Therefore, approval from both franchisors is necessary to proceed with this type of Carvel franchise.
Prospective franchisees should carefully review both the Carvel Franchise Agreement and the Cinnabon Disclosure Document to understand their obligations, fees, and the specific requirements of each franchise. Understanding the terms of both agreements is crucial for the successful operation of a co-branded Swirl Shoppe.