Does Cinnabon's consent need to be obtained for modifications or amendments to a Cinnabon franchisee's Lease?

According to Cinnabon's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must ensure that their leases contain a provision stating that the lease cannot be modified or amended without Cinnabon's written consent. However, Cinnabon states that it will not unreasonably withhold, condition, or delay its consent. This requirement aims to protect Cinnabon's interests by ensuring that lease modifications do not negatively impact the operation or brand standards of the Cinnabon franchise.

This provision is fairly standard in franchise agreements, as franchisors typically want to maintain control over the locations where their franchises operate. By requiring consent for lease modifications, Cinnabon can ensure that the franchisee's location remains suitable for the business and that the terms of the lease are consistent with Cinnabon's requirements. This can include factors such as the size and layout of the premises, signage, and other aspects that affect the customer experience and brand image.

For a prospective Cinnabon franchisee, this means they will need to factor in the time and effort required to obtain Cinnabon's approval for any lease modifications. While Cinnabon states that it will not unreasonably withhold consent, franchisees should still anticipate a review process and be prepared to justify any proposed changes to the lease. It would be prudent for a potential franchisee to discuss typical lease modification scenarios with existing franchisees during their due diligence to understand the practical implications of this requirement.