What is the process Carvel requires before a Refresh or Remodel can begin?
Carvel Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Before you begin a Refresh or a Remodel, we, our affiliate, or our designee will in-person or virtually inspect your Franchised Business and produce a site survey and/or design plan that will comply with our then-current Standards.
We may require you to pay us, our affiliate, or our designee our then-current fee for producing such site survey and/or design plan, which may be increased in any calendar year by no more than the Allowed Adjustment.
All plans, designs, furniture, fixtures, equipment, and décor related to a Refresh or a Remodel must be approved by us in writing, must conform to our then-current Standards and applicable Laws, and, if we so require, must be purchased from Approved Suppliers we designate or approve in writing.
For each Remodel, you must comply with Sections 6.1 (Leasehold Improvements), 6.2 (Architectural Plans), and 6.3 (Construction, Inspection, and Government Approvals) of this Agreement.
You acknowledge that each Refresh or Remodel may require you to make a significant capital investment into your Franchised Business.
You agree to incur, without limitation, any capital expenditures required in order to comply with this obligation and our requirements (even if those expenditures cannot be amortized over the remaining Term).
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 100–353)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Carvel's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, before a franchisee can begin a Refresh or Remodel of their location, Carvel, its affiliate, or its designee will conduct an in-person or virtual inspection of the franchised business. Following the inspection, a site survey and/or design plan will be created to comply with Carvel's then-current standards.
Carvel may require the franchisee to pay a fee to Carvel, its affiliate, or its designee for the creation of the site survey and/or design plan. This fee is subject to an annual increase, which cannot exceed the Allowed Adjustment. All plans, designs, furniture, fixtures, equipment, and décor related to the Refresh or Remodel must receive written approval from Carvel. These elements must conform to Carvel's then-current standards and all applicable laws. Additionally, Carvel may require that these items be purchased from approved suppliers designated or approved in writing by Carvel.
For each Remodel, the franchisee must adhere to the guidelines outlined in Sections 6.1 (Leasehold Improvements), 6.2 (Architectural Plans), and 6.3 (Construction, Inspection, and Government Approvals) of the Franchise Agreement. The franchisee acknowledges that both Refreshes and Remodels may necessitate a significant capital investment in the franchised business, and they agree to incur all necessary capital expenditures to meet Carvel's requirements, even if these expenditures cannot be amortized over the remaining term of the agreement.