What are examples of Proprietary Goods that Cinnabon franchisees must purchase from approved sources?
Cinnabon Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must purchase all of your requirements of Proprietary Ingredients, Proprietary Products, and proprietary uniforms, signs, menu boards, smallwares, materials, supplies, paper goods, equipment, and packaging (collectively, the "Proprietary Goods") from us, our affiliates, or our designated Approved Suppliers. The Proprietary Goods include printed paper, paper products, and plastic products bearing our Proprietary Marks (including, for example, dishes, containers, cartons, bags, napkins, and packaging supplies). We may require you to purchase certain trademarked product lines consisting of t-shirts, apparel, mugs, and other merchandise and products bearing the Proprietary Marks ("Trademarked Product Lines") from us, our affiliates, or our designated Approved Suppliers. In addition, if we conduct test marketing to determine consumer trends and the salability of new food or non-food products and services, you may be required to purchase a reasonable quantity of test products we specify from designated Approved Suppliers.
Source: Item 8 — Restrictions on Sources of Products and Services (FDD pages 59–63)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Cinnabon Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to purchase specific items, known as "Proprietary Goods", from Cinnabon, its affiliates, or designated approved suppliers. These Proprietary Goods encompass a range of essential items necessary for operating a Cinnabon bakery.
Examples of Proprietary Goods include printed paper, paper products, and plastic products that feature Cinnabon's proprietary marks. These items specifically include dishes, containers, cartons, bags, napkins, and packaging supplies, all of which contribute to maintaining Cinnabon's brand consistency and quality standards. Franchisees may also be required to purchase trademarked product lines, such as t-shirts, apparel, mugs, and other merchandise that bear Cinnabon's proprietary marks.
Cinnabon also has the right to require franchisees to purchase a reasonable quantity of test products from designated approved suppliers if the company conducts test marketing to determine consumer trends and the salability of new food or non-food products and services. This ensures that all Cinnabon locations maintain a consistent brand image and adhere to the company's standards for product quality and presentation.
The requirement to purchase Proprietary Goods from approved sources allows Cinnabon to maintain quality control and brand uniformity across all franchise locations. While this ensures consistency, it also means franchisees have limited flexibility in sourcing these items and must adhere to Cinnabon's specified suppliers and standards.