If Carvel makes changes to the manuals, standards, or system, what are some examples of modifications that may occur?
Carvel Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We may make additions to, deletions from, and modifications to the Manuals ("Supplements"), Standards, or System from time to time in any form or fashion, including (i) altering the Approved Products, accounting and technology systems, forms, policies, and procedures of the System; (ii) adding, modifying, or substituting the equipment, signs, trade dress, and other Business characteristics that you are required to use or display (subject to the limitations set forth in this Agreement); (iii) implementing new programs and policies, which may require you to incur additional expenses, purchase new equipment or supplies, or pay additional reasonable fees; and (iv) changing, improving, modifying, or substituting for the Marks. We will communicate changes in the Standards or the Manuals in writing or electronically to you, as we deem appropriate. You must immediately adopt and use any Supplements to the Manuals. All Supplements to the Manuals are binding on you as if they were part of the Manuals previously provided to you. It is your responsibility to monitor for Supplements to the Manuals and maintain a current and up-to-date copy of the Manuals at your Franchised Business at all times. If there is any dispute as to your compliance with the Manuals, then the master copy of the Manuals we maintain will control. All references in this Agreement or otherwise to the Manuals will include any and all Supplements to the Manuals. You acknowledge that changes in the Standards or Manuals may obligate you to invest additional capital in the Franchised Business and/or incur higher operating costs.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 100–353)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Carvel's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Carvel may make additions, deletions, and modifications to the Manuals, Standards, or System from time to time. These changes can take various forms, including altering the Approved Products, accounting and technology systems, forms, policies, and procedures of the System. Carvel may also add, modify, or substitute the equipment, signs, trade dress, and other Business characteristics that franchisees are required to use or display.
Furthermore, Carvel has the right to implement new programs and policies, which may require franchisees to incur additional expenses, purchase new equipment or supplies, or pay additional reasonable fees. Carvel can also change, improve, modify, or substitute the Marks associated with the brand. These changes will be communicated in writing or electronically, and franchisees are obligated to immediately adopt and use any Supplements to the Manuals, which are binding as if they were part of the original Manuals.
It is the franchisee's responsibility to monitor for Supplements to the Manuals and maintain a current copy at their Franchised Business. Franchisees should be aware that changes in the Standards or Manuals may require additional capital investment or lead to higher operating costs. Carvel also retains the right to vary the Standards for any franchisee as deemed necessary and may grant franchises under differing terms without affecting their rights with respect to individual franchisees.