Is Cinnabon obligated to assist in selecting a proposed site for my Bakery?
Cinnabon Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
While we may assist you in selecting a proposed site, we are not obligated to do so. We or our affiliates typically do not lease or sublease locations for Bakeries, but we may do so from time to time. (Franchise Agreement, Section 5.2)
We expect you to retain an independent expert to evaluate the suitability of a proposed site and to conduct your independent investigation of the site. We disclaim any responsibility for the suitability of the Accepted Location. Our acceptance of the site is based on the site satisfying our minimum site selection criteria only, and will not be construed as a representation or warranty that the Bakery located at the Accepted Location will be successful. (Franchise Agreement, Section 5.3)
Source: Item 11 — Franchisor's Assistance, Advertising, Computer Systems, and Training (FDD pages 66–82)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cinnabon's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, while Cinnabon may offer assistance in selecting a site for your bakery, they are not obligated to do so. However, Cinnabon will review the location you select and either accept or reject it based on whether it meets their minimum site criteria. You cannot acquire the location until Cinnabon has accepted it.
If you and Cinnabon have not agreed on a location when you sign the Franchise Agreement, you must select a location that meets Cinnabon's site selection criteria within a geographic area they specify. Cinnabon may require you to obtain a site selection analysis from an Approved Supplier, which could cost between $2,500 and $5,000. This analysis may include factors such as traffic patterns, demographics, and competitors.
Cinnabon considers factors like population density, traffic flow, pedestrian counts, visibility, parking, household income, and local competition when determining whether to accept a site. Cinnabon disclaims any responsibility for the suitability of the accepted location and states that their acceptance is based only on the site meeting their minimum criteria. The acceptance of a site should not be construed as a representation that the Cinnabon bakery will be successful at that location.