If a Cinnabon franchisee operating four or more franchised businesses experiences the death, disability, or termination of a Director of Operations, what is the deadline for designating a successor?
Cinnabon Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- B. Director of Operations. If you and your affiliates operate four or more Franchised Businesses, in addition to the Managers for each Franchised Business that you operate, we may require you to appoint one or more Managers with the responsibility of supervising and supporting multiple Franchised Businesses (each, a "Director of Operations").
- D. Changes to Managers and Directors of Operations. You must inform us in writing of the identity of any Managers and Directors of Operations. You must notify us immediately of the death, disability, termination of employment, or replacement of any of your Managers (including any Director of Operations) and must designate a successor or acting Manager or Director of Operations within 30 days after the death, disability, or termination of the predecessor.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 114–399)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cinnabon's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee and their affiliates operate four or more franchised businesses, Cinnabon may require the appointment of one or more Managers with the responsibility of supervising and supporting multiple Franchised Businesses, called a Director of Operations.
In the event of the death, disability, termination of employment, or replacement of any Managers, including a Director of Operations, the franchisee must notify Cinnabon immediately. Furthermore, the franchisee is required to designate a successor or acting Manager or Director of Operations within 30 days after the death, disability, or termination of the predecessor.
This policy ensures that Cinnabon franchisees with multiple locations maintain consistent and effective management, even during unforeseen circumstances. It is the franchisee's responsibility to ensure a smooth transition by promptly identifying and appointing a qualified successor within the specified timeframe.