Can Cinnabon change the manuals?
Cinnabon Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Provisions | Section in Franchise Agreement | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| o. You must comply with our right of first refusal. p. If you operate a Co-Branded Bakery, the Co-Branded Agreement or Co-Branded Franchise are transferred at the same time. | ||
| FA: 16.4 (non-control transfers) | a. You give us prior written notice of the transfer. b. You pay all sums owed. c. You are not in default d. Transferee meets qualifications e. Transferee signs assignment and guaranty f. You and your guarantors and owners sign a general release. g. You remain liable for pre-Transfer obligations. h.You pay us a Transfer Fee. | |
| FA: 16.5 (related party transfers) | a. You give us prior written notice of the transfer. b. You are not in default c. Transferee meets qualifications d. Transferee assumes in writing the Franchise Agreement and the guaranty. e. You may not be in default under the Franchise Agreement. f. You pay us a Transfer Fee. g. You and your guarantors and owners must sign a general release and remain liable for pre-Transfer obligations | |
| n. Our right of first refusal to acquire your business | FA: 16.8 | We can match any offer for your Bakery or substantially all interest in your entity. |
| ES: 20.Q. | Above not applicable for an Express Bakery. | |
| o. Our option to | FA: 18.4 | We may purchase your Goods related to the Bakery at the fair |
| purchase your | market value (exclusive of good will) and may purchase your | |
| business | Accepted Location if you own it or your interest in any lease. | |
| ES: 20.U. | Above not applicable for an Express Bakery. | |
| p. Your death or disability | FA: 16.6 | Upon 180 days from your death or permanent incapacity you must transfer all rights and interests to buyer that complies with Transfer provisions, except no Transfer Fee will be due. |
| q. Non- | FA: 15.4 | No involvement in a competitive business (generally, similar types of |
| competition | businesses that offer products the same or similar to the Approved | |
| covenants | Products) anywhere. You may not divert or attempt to divert any | |
| during the | business or potential business, misuse vendor relationships, or | |
| term of the | perform, directly or indirectly, any other act injurious or prejudicial to | |
| franchise | the goodwill associated with the Proprietary Marks and the System. | |
| r. Non- competition covenants after the franchise is terminated or expires | FA: 15.4.B | For 12 months after expiration or termination, no involvement in a competitive business at the Accepted Location, within 3 miles of your Accepted Location, or within 3 miles of any Bakery; and no diverting or attempting to divert any business from any Bakery. |
| s. Modification of | FA: 8.3, 22.2 | No oral modifications, but we can change the Manuals. |
| the agreement | and 22.3 |
Source: Item 17 — Renewal, Termination, Transfer, and Dispute Resolution (FDD pages 93–100)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Cinnabon Franchise Disclosure Document, Cinnabon has the right to modify its manuals. The franchise agreement specifies that while oral modifications to the agreement are not permitted, Cinnabon retains the authority to make changes to the manuals.
This provision means that as a Cinnabon franchisee, you must adhere to the most current version of the manuals provided by Cinnabon, which may evolve over time. These manuals typically cover operational procedures, brand standards, marketing guidelines, and other essential aspects of running the franchise. It is crucial to stay informed of any updates to ensure compliance and maintain the quality and consistency of the Cinnabon brand.
The ability of a franchisor like Cinnabon to update its manuals is a common practice in franchising. This allows the franchisor to adapt to changing market conditions, improve operational efficiencies, and maintain brand standards across all franchise locations. Franchisees are typically notified of these changes through official channels, such as online portals, training sessions, or written communications.
As a prospective franchisee, it is advisable to inquire about the frequency and nature of manual updates during your due diligence. Understanding how Cinnabon communicates these changes and provides support for implementation will be essential for the successful operation of your franchise. It would also be prudent to understand the process for providing feedback on the manuals.