Is a Cinnabon franchisee required to hire a licensed and insured general contractor accepted by Cinnabon?
Cinnabon Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
For any proposed site, we may require you to obtain a site selection analysis from an Approved Supplier, which may include an analysis of such factors as traffic patterns, demographics and competitors within the market. As you design and construct your Bakery, you must hire an architect that we accept in writing to prepare your plans and make any necessary changes to our standard layout and specifications. In addition, you must hire a licensed and insured general contractor that we accept to complete the build-out of your Bakery. Our acceptance of your architect or general contractor will not in any way be our endorsement of your architect or general contractor or render us liable for your architect's or general contractor's performance. When you refresh or remodel your Bakery, we may require you to obtain, at your expense, a site survey and design solution from us, our affiliates, or a designated vendor.
You must purchase and install, at your expense, all fixtures, furnishings, equipment (including a Computer System), décor and signs, as we direct. If we modify our menu, we may require you to purchase additional equipment to prepare and store new menu items. You may not install on or about your Bakery any merchandise, furnishings, interior or exterior décor items, supplies, fixtures, equipment or utensils unless they have been approved by us in writing. You must purchase these items only from an Approved Supplier unless we specify otherwise.
Source: Item 8 — Restrictions on Sources of Products and Services (FDD pages 59–63)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cinnabon's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to hire a licensed and insured general contractor that Cinnabon accepts to complete the build-out of their bakery. Cinnabon's acceptance of the general contractor does not constitute an endorsement, nor does it render Cinnabon liable for the contractor's performance.
Prior to construction, franchisees must also hire an architect that Cinnabon accepts in writing to prepare the plans for the bakery and make necessary changes to Cinnabon's standard layout and specifications. Cinnabon's acceptance of the architect does not constitute an endorsement, nor does it render Cinnabon liable for the architect's performance.
During any refresh or remodel of the bakery, Cinnabon may require franchisees to obtain, at their own expense, a site survey and design solution from Cinnabon, its affiliates, or a designated vendor. Franchisees are also required to purchase and install all fixtures, furnishings, equipment, décor, and signs as directed by Cinnabon. These items must be purchased from an Approved Supplier unless otherwise specified by Cinnabon.