Can the Cinnabon Franchise Agreement be modified orally?
Cinnabon Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Provisions | Section in Franchise Agreement | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| s. Modification of | FA: 8.3, 22.2 | No oral modifications, but we can change the Manuals. |
| the agreement | and 22.3 |
Source: Item 17 — Renewal, Termination, Transfer, and Dispute Resolution (FDD pages 93–100)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Cinnabon Franchise Disclosure Document, the Franchise Agreement cannot be modified orally. However, Cinnabon does retain the right to change the manuals. This is a fairly standard clause in franchise agreements, intended to provide clarity and prevent disputes based on verbal agreements that are difficult to prove.
The implication for a prospective Cinnabon franchisee is that any changes or promises made by Cinnabon representatives that are not written into the Franchise Agreement or related documents may not be enforceable. This protects both the franchisee and Cinnabon from misunderstandings or misrepresentations. It is crucial for franchisees to ensure that all material terms and conditions are documented in writing before signing the agreement.
This type of clause is common in franchise agreements to ensure that all parties are bound by the written terms and to avoid disputes based on verbal understandings. Franchisees should be diligent in reviewing the entire agreement and any related documents to fully understand their rights and obligations. If there are any discrepancies between what was verbally promised and what is written, the written terms will generally prevail.