What is the deadline for Cinnabon site approval, as measured from the Effective Date?
Cinnabon Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ough any alternative channel of distribution located anywhere, including to and through (a) supermarkets, convenience stores, club stores, and other retail facilities not dedicated to the sale of the Approved Products, (b) mail order and ecommerce channels, and (c) kitchens devoted to the preparation of Products or Approved Products (often referred to as ghost, dark or cloud kitchens), which may use the Marks and may deliver to customers located anywhere. - (iii) We and/or our affiliates may advertise, or authorize others to advertise, using the Marks anywhere. - (iv) We and/or our affiliates may acquire, be acquired by, or merge with another entity with existing businesses or franchises that are similar to or competitive with the Businesses anywhere and (i) convert the other businesses to be Businesses operating under the Marks and the System, (ii) permit the other businesses to continue to operate under another name anywhere, and/or (iii) permit the businesses to operate under another name and convert your Franchised Business and existing Businesses to such other name.
12. Section 6.5 (Opening and Development Deadlines):
| EVENT | COMPLETION DEADLINE |
|---|---|
| Site Approval Deadline (Section 6.5.A.) | Within 60 days after the Effective Date |
| Construction Start Deadline (Section 6.5.B.) | Within 90 days after the Effective Date |
| Opening Deadline (Section 6.5.C.) | Within 180 days after the Effective Date |
13. Section 10.1.C. (Grand Opening Advertising):
Your Grand Opening Obligation is $3,000.
14. Section 10.1.E. (Local Marketing Obligation):
Your Local Marketing Obligation shall be equal to 1% of the Net Sales of your Franchised Business per calendar quarter.
15. Section 11.1.D (Attending Training):
Your Required Trainees may not begin the Management Training Program until six weeks before the scheduled opening date of your Franchised Business.
16. Section 11.2 (On-Site Training):
If this is one of your first two Franchised Businesses (including Franchised Businesses owned by your affiliates), we will send one or more of our representatives to the Franchised Business, at our expense, for a maximum of 3.5 days concurrent with beginning operations to assist in the opening of the Bakery. If you offer Carvel® Products, you must pay us the then-current Carvel® Product Platform Training Fee and our representatives will provide two days of related On-Site Training.
17. Section 13.2 (Required Insurance)
Currently, you must obtain and maintain the following coverage:
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 114–399)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cinnabon's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the deadline for site approval varies depending on the type of franchise. For some franchise locations, the Site Approval Deadline is within 150 days after the Effective Date. For other locations, the Site Approval Deadline is within 60 days after the Effective Date. However, for certain franchise agreements, the Site Approval Deadline is 'Not applicable'.
These deadlines are important for prospective franchisees because failing to meet them can have significant consequences. Cinnabon may allow a franchisee to request an extension before the expiration of any missed deadline, but is not obligated to grant one. If Cinnabon agrees to an extension, it may require the franchisee to pay a $2,500 extension fee and sign a general release.
If a franchisee fails to meet the Site Approval Deadline and does not cure the failure within 30 calendar days after receiving notice from Cinnabon, Cinnabon has the right to terminate the Franchise Agreement. Given the variability in deadlines and the potential for termination, it is crucial for prospective franchisees to clarify the specific Site Approval Deadline applicable to their franchise agreement and understand the conditions for obtaining an extension.
Prospective franchisees should carefully review Schedule A of the Franchise Agreement, as referenced in Section 6.5, to confirm the specific deadlines applicable to their franchise. They should also discuss with Cinnabon the factors that determine the applicable deadline and the process for requesting an extension if needed.