What is an 'Architect' according to the Cinnabon franchise agreement?
Cinnabon Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 5. Architect. We will designate or pre-approve one or more licensed architects (an "Architect") that you must engage, at your own expense, to develop architectural plans, unless
we, in our sole discretion, agree in writing to accept an Architect that you propose. Our designation, pre-approval, or acceptance of an Architect will not in any way be our endorsement of such Architect or render us liable for such Architect's performance or such Architect's compliance with professional design standards or adherence to local codes. You also must engage, at your expense, licensed engineers (e.g., mechanical, electrical, plumbing, or structural engineers), as necessary or appropriate. (Franchise Agreement, Section 6.2.A.(i))
Source: Item 11 — Franchisor's Assistance, Advertising, Computer Systems, and Training (FDD pages 66–82)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Cinnabon Franchise Disclosure Document, an Architect is defined as a licensed architect designated or pre-approved by Cinnabon. As a franchisee, you are required to engage one of Cinnabon's designated or pre-approved architects, at your own expense, to develop the architectural plans for your bakery. However, Cinnabon may agree in writing to accept an architect you propose.
It is important to note that Cinnabon's designation, pre-approval, or acceptance of an architect does not constitute an endorsement, nor does it render Cinnabon liable for the architect's performance, their compliance with professional design standards, or their adherence to local codes. The franchisee bears the responsibility for ensuring the architect's competence and compliance.
In addition to an architect, Cinnabon also requires franchisees to engage licensed engineers (such as mechanical, electrical, plumbing, or structural engineers) as necessary or appropriate for the build-out of the bakery. The franchisee is responsible for covering the expenses for these engineers as well.
This requirement ensures that the architectural plans meet Cinnabon's standards and comply with local regulations, but it also places the financial burden and risk of the architect's performance on the franchisee. Franchisees should carefully vet any proposed architect, even if pre-approved by Cinnabon, and understand the terms of their engagement to mitigate potential issues during the build-out process.