Can Carvel change the specifications of Approved Products?
Carvel Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We may change these specifications periodically, and we may designate specific Approved Products as optional or mandatory.
You must offer all Approved Products that we designate as mandatory.
Issuance of Standards and Specifications. We have established Standards for many of the Goods that a typical Shoppe uses or offers for sale. To the extent that we establish Standards, require approval of Suppliers, or designate Approved Suppliers for particular Goods, we will publish our requirements in the Manuals or otherwise in writing. We may, at any time, in our discretion, change, delete, or add to any of our specifications or quality Standards. Such modifications, however, will generally be uniform for all franchisees. We will make available to you, via electronic means or otherwise, any changes to our Manuals or Standards.
Source: Item 16 — Restrictions on What the Franchisee May Sell (FDD pages 83–84)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Carvel's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Carvel has the authority to modify the specifications or quality standards for the goods that a typical shop uses or offers for sale. These modifications will generally be uniform for all franchisees. Carvel will communicate any changes to the manuals or standards via electronic means or other methods. Carvel may also designate specific Approved Products as optional or mandatory. Franchisees must offer all Approved Products that Carvel designates as mandatory.
This means that as a Carvel franchisee, you must stay informed of any changes to product specifications, quality standards, or product offerings. Carvel will provide updates through manuals or electronic communications, so it's crucial to regularly check for these updates. You will be required to adapt your shop's offerings to comply with Carvel's modifications, including offering mandatory products and discontinuing products that are no longer approved.
It is important to note that Carvel also has the right to revoke approval of goods. If this happens, franchisees must stop purchasing or leasing the formerly-approved goods and dispose of any remaining inventory as directed by Carvel. While franchisees may sell the formerly-approved product from their existing inventory for up to 30 days following disapproval, Carvel can shorten this period if continued sale would harm their reputation. After the designated period, franchisees must dispose of the remaining inventory as directed.