Under what conditions is a Carvel franchisee allowed to provide catering services?
Carvel Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You may only engage in the sale of Approved Products under the System from the Shoppe to the ultimate consumer. If we allow (by written consent), or if we require, you to provide catering services, you must do so in accordance with any restrictions and guidelines that we may establish in the Manuals or otherwise in writing. We require you to provide delivery services and you must do so in accordance with any restrictions and guidelines that we may establish in the Manuals or otherwise in writing. You may only provide delivery services through a TPS that we approve or designate. If a TPS is unavailable to provide delivery services for your Shoppe, you may not be required to offer delivery services, subject to our written approval. Except for catering services and delivery services that we may allow or require, you may not offer for sale, sell, supply for resale, or deliver any Goods to a third party other than the ultimate consumer at the Shoppe without our prior written consent.
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, franchisees may provide catering services under specific conditions. Carvel must either allow it through written consent or require it. If catering services are permitted or required, the franchisee must adhere to the restrictions and guidelines established by Carvel in its manuals or other written communications.
This means that a Carvel franchisee cannot independently decide to offer catering services without prior authorization from Carvel. The franchisor maintains control over this aspect of the business to ensure brand consistency and quality. The guidelines and restrictions Carvel sets forth could include specific product offerings, presentation standards, pricing structures, or geographic limitations for catering services.
Furthermore, Carvel retains the right to modify its policies regarding catering services for all franchisees. This allows Carvel to adapt to changing market conditions or strategic priorities. Prospective franchisees should inquire about the current catering policies, any associated fees, and the process for obtaining approval to offer catering services to fully understand the potential and limitations.
In addition to the above, Carvel franchisees must sell approved products only to ultimate consumers from the shop. The FDD states that franchisees may not offer for sale, sell, supply for resale, or deliver any goods to a third party other than the ultimate consumer at the shop without Carvel's prior written consent, except for catering and delivery services that Carvel may allow or require.