In the case of a proposed Control Transfer of a Cinnabon franchise, what is the minimum notice the franchisee must provide to Cinnabon?

According to Cinnabon's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee must provide written notice to Cinnabon at least 90 days prior to any proposed Control Transfer. In addition to providing this advance notice, the franchisee must also provide all requested information pertaining to the transfer a minimum of 60 days before the proposed Control Transfer.

This 90-day notice period allows Cinnabon ample time to evaluate the proposed transfer and ensure that all conditions are met. These conditions include, but are not limited to, ensuring all outstanding payments to Cinnabon and its affiliates are settled, verifying that the franchisee is not in default of any agreements, and confirming that the transferee meets the requirements for new franchisees, including completing the Management Training Program and demonstrating proficiency in English.

The stipulations around Control Transfers are typical in franchising, as franchisors want to maintain brand standards and ensure that new operators are qualified and financially stable. The 90-day notice and 60-day information submission requirements provide a structured timeline for Cinnabon to assess the suitability of the proposed transferee and protect its interests. Franchisees should be aware of these requirements and plan accordingly if they intend to transfer ownership of their Cinnabon franchise.