Is a Cinnabon franchisee required to furnish customer information to Cinnabon upon request?

According to Cinnabon's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to furnish customer information to Cinnabon upon request. The FDD specifies that all customer information collected by the franchisee or their third-party vendors in connection with the franchised business must be provided to Cinnabon at any time Cinnabon requests it. Furthermore, Cinnabon and its affiliates have the right to independently access this customer information through the computer system or other means. Customer Information includes names, contact information, financial information, purchasing history, market research data, and other personal information of or relating to the customers and prospective customers of the Franchised Business.

This requirement allows Cinnabon to maintain a comprehensive database of customer information, which it can use for various purposes. While franchisees are restricted to using this information only to market approved products in accordance with Cinnabon's policies and applicable laws, Cinnabon and its affiliates have broader rights. They can use the customer information in any manner or for any purpose. This includes the ability to analyze customer trends, develop targeted marketing campaigns, and improve overall business strategies.

For a prospective franchisee, this means they must ensure their systems and procedures are capable of collecting and transmitting customer information to Cinnabon. They also need to secure all necessary consents and authorizations from customers, prospective customers, vendors, and others, as required by applicable law, to allow the transmission and use of this information by Cinnabon and its affiliates. This obligation highlights the importance of data privacy and compliance with relevant regulations, adding an administrative and legal dimension to the operation of a Cinnabon franchise.