Is there a time limit for Carvel to approve or disapprove of a site?

According to Carvel's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, there is no specified time limit for Carvel to approve or disapprove a potential site for a new franchise location. However, the franchisee must identify and secure Carvel's acceptance of the location within 150 days of signing the Franchise Agreement, referred to as the "Site Approval Deadline." Failure to meet this deadline, or the deadlines for construction start (270 days) and opening (360 days), can result in termination of the Franchise Agreement without a refund of the initial franchise fee.

While Carvel may offer assistance in site selection, they are not obligated to do so. The franchisee is expected to conduct their own independent investigation of the site's suitability. Carvel's approval is based solely on meeting their minimum site selection criteria and does not guarantee the location's success. Factors Carvel considers include population density, traffic flow, visibility, parking, household income, and local competition.

This lack of a specific approval timeline places the onus on the franchisee to proactively manage the site selection process and maintain open communication with Carvel to avoid delays. Franchisees should engage with Carvel early in the site selection process to understand their criteria and preferences, potentially mitigating the risk of delays or disapproval. While Carvel does not guarantee site success, understanding their criteria is crucial for selecting an appropriate location.