What is included in the definition of the 'Computer System' that a Cinnabon franchisee must acquire and maintain?
Cinnabon Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
12.8 Computer System.
- A. Acquisition and Operation. You must promptly purchase, lease and/or license and install at the Franchised Business, at your sole expense, the computerized point-of-sale system, computer and technology systems, mobile hardware, software, applications, associated computer hardware, telephone lines, network connections, communications equipment, high speed internet access (e.g. fiber or cable), and other equipment that we require from time to time (the "Computer System"), all of which you must keep in good maintenance and repair. You must use the Computer System in accordance with our Standards. We have the right to retrieve all data from your Computer System that we deem appropriate, and we may require you to obtain, at your expense, polling services we specify from a supplier that we specify (which may be us or our affiliates). If it becomes advisable at any time, in our sole discretion, for us to change, upgrade, or discontinue use of any of the components of the Computer System, you will comply with our directions, at your expense, within a reasonable time after notice to you. We will have no liability or obligation whatsoever with respect to our requirement that you modify or discontinue use of any of the components of the Computer System or any unauthorized modifications to the Computer System that you make.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 114–399)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cinnabon's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Computer System that franchisees must acquire encompasses a range of technology components. This includes the computerized point-of-sale system, computers, technology systems, mobile hardware, software, applications, associated computer hardware, telephone lines, network connections, communications equipment, and high-speed internet access. Cinnabon franchisees are obligated to maintain and repair all these components at their own expense.
The franchisor retains the right to access and retrieve data from the franchisee's Computer System as deemed necessary. Furthermore, Cinnabon may require franchisees to use specific polling services from a designated supplier, potentially the franchisor or its affiliates, adding another layer of required compliance and potential cost.
Cinnabon maintains the discretion to change, upgrade, or discontinue any component of the Computer System. Franchisees are obligated to comply with these directives at their own expense within a reasonable timeframe after receiving notice. It is important to note that Cinnabon assumes no liability for modifications or discontinuations of Computer System components, nor for any unauthorized changes made by the franchisee. This places the onus on the franchisee to stay current with technology standards and absorb the costs of mandated updates, which can be a significant financial consideration.