Can a Cinnabon franchisee propose their own General Contractor?
Cinnabon Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 4. General Contractor. We will designate or pre-approve one or more licensed and insured general contractors (a "General Contractor") that you must engage, at your own expense, to complete your buildout, unless we, in our sole discretion, agree in writing to accept a General Contractor that you propose. Our designation, pre-approval, or acceptance of a General Contractor will not in any way be our endorsement of such General Contractor or render us liable for such General Contractor's performance. (Franchise Agreement, Section 6.1.A.
Source: Item 11 — Franchisor's Assistance, Advertising, Computer Systems, and Training (FDD pages 66–82)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cinnabon's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are generally required to use a General Contractor designated or pre-approved by Cinnabon for the buildout of their location. However, a franchisee can propose their own General Contractor.
Cinnabon reserves the right to accept a General Contractor proposed by the franchisee, but this acceptance is at Cinnabon's sole discretion and must be agreed to in writing. Even if Cinnabon designates, pre-approves, or accepts a General Contractor, this does not constitute an endorsement of the contractor, and Cinnabon will not be liable for the General Contractor's performance.
This means that while franchisees have the option to suggest a contractor they prefer, Cinnabon maintains control over the selection process to ensure that construction meets their standards. Franchisees should be prepared to work with Cinnabon's approved contractors, but they can also explore the possibility of using their own contractor if they meet Cinnabon's requirements and receive written approval.