For a Cinnabon franchise, when is a 'Refresh' required after the Opening Date?
Cinnabon Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- A.
Refresh.
Within six months after the fifth and the fifteenth anniversaries of the Opening Date, you must, at your sole expense and in accordance with our then-current Standards and directives, refresh, refurbish, and renovate the Franchised Business to meet our then-current operational and branding Standards (a "Refresh").
Generally, a Refresh will require you to add, update, and/or replace components of the Franchised Business (including merchandising elements, graphics, paint or wall coverings, menu boards, interior and exterior signage, kitchen equipment, drive-thru equipment, Computer System components, and other furniture, fixtures, equipment, and décor that we may specify in our sole discretion) to meet our then-current Standards without significantly altering your Franchised Business' layout or structure.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 114–399)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cinnabon's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a Refresh is required within six months after both the fifth and fifteenth anniversaries of the store's opening date. This means that a Cinnabon franchisee must undertake a Refresh of their business twice within the first fifteen years of operation. The Refresh must be completed at the franchisee's sole expense and adhere to Cinnabon's then-current operational and branding standards.
The FDD specifies that a Refresh generally involves adding, updating, or replacing components of the franchised business. These components include merchandising elements, graphics, paint or wall coverings, menu boards, interior and exterior signage, kitchen equipment, drive-thru equipment, computer system components, and other furniture, fixtures, equipment, and décor. The purpose of the Refresh is to meet Cinnabon's current standards without significantly altering the layout or structure of the franchise.
Prospective Cinnabon franchisees should be aware that these Refreshes can require a significant capital investment. It is important to factor in the cost of these periodic upgrades when evaluating the overall financial viability of the franchise. Franchisees are responsible for covering these expenses, even if the costs cannot be fully amortized over the remaining term of the franchise agreement. This requirement ensures that all Cinnabon locations maintain a consistent and up-to-date brand image, which is a common practice in the franchise industry.