What is the range for estimated construction and build-out costs for a Cinnabon franchise?
Cinnabon Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| As incurred | Before opening | Our designated suppliers | | Additional Funds - 3 | $7,500 | $28,000 | As incurred | As incurred | Us, employees, vendors, etc. | | Months 21 | | | | | | | Total Initial Investment 22 | $122,265 | $256,650 | | | |
YOUR ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT: AUNTIE ANNE'S CO-BRANDED BAKERY 26
| Type of Expenditure | Amount of Expenditure | Method of | When Payments Are | To Whom Payment Will | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Low | High | Payment | Due | Be Made |
| Initial Franchise Fee 1 | $66,000 | $66,000 | Lump sum At signing of Franchise Agreement | Us | |
| Construction and Build Out Costs 2 | $181,000 | $350,000 | As incurred | As arranged | Contractors |
| Permitting 3 | $700 | $7,800 | As incurred | Before opening | Government agencies |
| Equipment Package 4 | $51,000 | $140,000 | Lump sum | Before opening | Vendors |
| Millwork 5 | $20,000 | $70,000 | As incurred | Before opening | Contractors |
| Furniture 6 | $0 | $2,600 | As incurred | Before opening | Vendors |
| Menu Board, | $5,000 | $20,000 | As incurred | Before opening | Vendors |
| Graphics, and Interior | |||||
| Signage 7 | |||||
| Exterior Signage 8 | $3,000 | $30,000 | Lump sum | Before opening | Vendors |
| Computer System 9 | $10,500 | $32,000 | As incurred | Before opening | Vendors |
| Smallwares 10 | $3,000 | $12,000 | As incurred | Before opening | Vendors |
| Architect/Engineer 11 | $8,500 | $27,000 | As incurred | Before opening | Architect |
| Rent 12 | $2,000 | $10,000 | Monthly | As arranged | Lessors |
| Type of Expenditure | Amount of E | Expenditure | Method of | When Payments Are | To Whom Payment Will
Source: Item 7 — Estimated Initial Investment (FDD pages 45–59)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cinnabon's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the estimated construction and build-out costs vary depending on the type of bakery. For a standard Cinnabon bakery, the estimated costs range from $181,000 to $350,000. For a Cinnabon Express Bakery (excluding those in new Schlotzsky's restaurants), the estimated construction and build-out costs range from $82,700 to $307,000. For an Express Bakery, the construction and build out costs range from $156,000 to $366,000. These costs are paid to contractors as the expenses are incurred.
The FDD notes that these estimates include fees paid to a general contractor to build out the bakery to meet Cinnabon's standards. These leasehold improvements include HVAC, electrical work, carpentry, floor covering, and painting. The cost of a general contractor can vary significantly based on factors such as the size and condition of the premises, existing leasehold improvements, the extent and quality of desired improvements, landlord contributions, and local material and labor costs. The document specifically mentions that costs could be significantly higher in major metropolitan markets like Boston, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, D.C., due to higher local market rates for materials and labor.
The estimates provided are net of estimated tenant improvement allowances. The low estimate assumes a tenant improvement allowance of $30,000, which is approximately the average reported by franchisees. The high estimate assumes no tenant improvement allowance is available. These figures do not include leasehold improvements for new free-standing buildings or new free-standing buildings with a drive-thru, as costs for these formats may vary significantly. For co-branded bakeries (excluding Swirl Bakeries), the estimate is based on mall and streetside locations, while the Swirl Bakery estimate is based on streetside locations. For Full Bakeries in Non-Traditional locations and Express Bakeries, the Construction and Build Out Cost category includes all millwork, menu boards, and interior signage.