Who determines the minimum hours of operation for a Cinnabon franchise?
Cinnabon Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 12.10 Hours of Operation.
You must continuously operate the Franchised Business on the days and during the minimum hours we specify.
You may establish days and hours of operation in excess of the required minimum days and hours.
If you wish to operate the Franchised Business for less than the minimum days and hours we specify, you must obtain our prior written approval, which will not be unreasonably withheld.
If the Franchised Business is located in a facility or location in which the hours of operation required by an unaffiliated third-party landlord are different than our specifications, you may operate the Franchised Business in accordance with the landlord's requirements.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 114–399)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Cinnabon Franchise Disclosure Document, Cinnabon specifies the minimum hours and days that a franchisee must operate their business. The franchisee is allowed to operate more than the minimum required hours. If a franchisee wants to operate fewer than the minimum days and hours, they must get prior written approval from Cinnabon, which Cinnabon will not unreasonably withhold.
However, there is an exception to this rule. If the Cinnabon franchise is located in a facility or location where an unaffiliated third-party landlord requires different hours of operation, the franchisee can operate according to the landlord's requirements. This is particularly relevant for Cinnabon Express Bakeries located within Host Facilities, as the hours of operation may be dictated by the host facility's schedule.
Prospective franchisees should be aware of these requirements and consider how they might impact their business. The need to adhere to Cinnabon's minimum hours, or to negotiate alternative hours with both Cinnabon and a landlord, could affect staffing, operating costs, and potential revenue. Understanding these operational constraints is crucial for assessing the viability of a Cinnabon franchise.