Can Carvel change the specifications of approved products periodically?
Carvel Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You may offer in the Franchised Business to customers only the Approved Products that we have approved in writing.
You must produce and sell all Approved Products we specify, including all menu items and other products and services that we require you to sell, as stated in the Manuals or otherwise, which are all part of the System.
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.
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 retains the right to modify the specifications of approved products periodically. This means that Carvel can alter the standards, ingredients, or any other aspect of the products that franchisees are required to offer. Carvel also has the authority to designate specific Approved Products as either optional or mandatory for franchisees.
This ability to change product specifications and designate products as optional or mandatory allows Carvel to maintain brand consistency and adapt to changing consumer preferences or market conditions. For a franchisee, this means they must stay informed of any changes communicated by Carvel and be prepared to implement them in their shop. This could involve updating recipes, sourcing new ingredients, or adjusting their menu offerings.
The FDD states that franchisees must offer all Approved Products that Carvel designates as mandatory. This requirement ensures uniformity across all Carvel locations and helps maintain the brand's reputation. However, it also means that franchisees have limited autonomy in deciding which products to sell and must adhere to Carvel's directives.
Overall, while Carvel's ability to change product specifications and designate products provides benefits in terms of brand consistency and adaptability, it also places certain obligations and limitations on franchisees. Franchisees need to be aware of these potential changes and be prepared to adapt their operations accordingly.