What does 'we,' 'us,' or 'our' refer to in the Carvel Disclosure Document?
Carvel Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
To simplify the language in this Disclosure Document, "we," "us," or "our" means Carvel Franchisor SPV LLC, the franchisor. "You" or "your" means the person or entity who buys the franchise, including all equity owners of a corporation, general partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, or any other type of entity (an "Entity"). The words "includes" and "including" mean "includes, but is not limited to" and "including, but not limited to," and the terms following such words are intended to be examples and not an exhaustive list. If you are an Entity, each individual with direct or indirect ownership interest shall be referred to as an "Owner."
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, the terms 'we,' 'us,' or 'our' refer to Carvel Franchisor SPV LLC, the franchisor of the Carvel franchise system. The document also clarifies that 'you' or 'your' refers to the person or entity purchasing the franchise, including all equity owners if the franchisee is a corporation, general partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, or any other type of entity.
This definition is important for prospective franchisees as it clarifies who is making the statements and obligations within the FDD and franchise agreement. Understanding this distinction ensures that franchisees know exactly with whom they are contracting and who is responsible for upholding the franchisor's obligations outlined in the documents.
Carvel also specifies that the terms 'includes' and 'including' are not exhaustive, meaning that examples provided are not the only items covered under those terms. If the franchisee is an entity, each individual with direct or indirect ownership interest is referred to as an 'Owner'.