Is Cinnabon's consent required to co-brand an Express Bakery with another business?

According to Cinnabon's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee wishes to co-brand an Express Bakery with another business, they must obtain Cinnabon's consent. Cinnabon will evaluate any request to co-brand an Express Bakery with another business, operate an Express Bakery in a Host Facility, or change the Host Facility for an Express Bakery.

This requirement means that a prospective Cinnabon franchisee cannot independently decide to partner with another business and operate a co-branded Cinnabon Express Bakery without first seeking and obtaining approval from Cinnabon. This provision allows Cinnabon to maintain control over its brand and ensure that any co-branding efforts align with its overall business strategy and standards.

The need for franchisor consent is a common practice in franchising, as it protects the brand's reputation and consistency. Cinnabon's approval process likely involves assessing the compatibility of the proposed co-branding partner, the potential impact on the Cinnabon brand, and the operational feasibility of the co-branded location. Franchisees should be prepared to provide detailed information about the proposed co-branding arrangement and be open to Cinnabon's feedback and requirements.