When is the initial franchise fee due for a Cinnabon Express Bakery in a new Schlotzsky's restaurant?
Cinnabon Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Type of Expenditure | Amount of E | Expenditure | Method of | When Payments Are | To Whom Payment Will |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type or Emperiorities | Low High | Payment | Due | Be Made | |
| Grand Opening | $6,000 | $25,000 | As incurred | Before opening | Vendors or |
| Marketing 13 | Us | ||||
| Legal and Accounting Fees 14 | $7,000 | $12,000 | As incurred | Before opening | Lawyers and accountants |
| Insurance 15 | $1,575 | $8,200 | As incurred | Before opening | Insurance companies |
| Misc. Opening | $13,000 | $25,000 | As incurred | Before opening | Vendors |
| Costs/Office | |||||
| Supplies 16 | |||||
| Security Deposits 17 | $0 | $15,000 | As incurred | As incurred | Utility companies; lessors |
| Management Training | $0 | $4,000 | As incurred | Before opening | Us |
| Program Fee 18 | |||||
| Travel and Living | $4,600 | $6,900 | As incurred | Before opening | Airlines, |
| Expenses during | hotels and | ||||
| Training 18 | restaurants | ||||
| On-Site Training | $0 | $12,200 | As incurred | Before opening | Us |
| Fee 19 | |||||
| Opening Inventory 20 | $8,300 | $18,000 | As incurred | Before opening | Vendors |
| Additional Funds - 3 Months 21 | $15,000 | $78,000 | As incurred | As incurred | Us, employees, vendors, etc. |
| Total Initial | $406,175 | $971,700 | |||
| Investment 22, 26 |
YOUR ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT: CARVEL CO-BRANDED BAKERY 26
| Type of Expenditure | Amount of E | Expenditure | Method of | When Payments Ar
Source: Item 7 — Estimated Initial Investment (FDD pages 45–59)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Cinnabon Franchise Disclosure Document, the initial franchise fee for a Cinnabon Express Bakery located in a new Schlotzsky's restaurant is $61,000. This fee is due in a lump sum at the signing of the Franchise Agreement.
It is important to note that this fee covers the right to operate a Cinnabon franchise. If the Cinnabon Express Bakery is co-branded with Auntie Anne's or Carvel, there may be additional initial franchise fees payable to those respective franchisors. The FDD indicates that for co-branded bakeries, the initial franchise fee includes both the fee paid to Cinnabon ($30,500) and the fee paid to either Auntie Anne's ($35,500) or Carvel ($30,500).
Prospective franchisees should carefully review Item 5 of the FDD, which provides further details on the initial franchise fee and any conditions for refunds. Understanding the payment terms and refund policies is crucial before signing the Franchise Agreement and committing to the franchise.