Does Cinnabon require franchisees to pay a license fee to an Approved Supplier to access the Learning Management System containing the manuals?
Cinnabon Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ent and any required maintenance/update agreements with the vendor, pay any related POS System Support Fees, and use the new POS System. We can require you to add, substitute or replace computer hardware, memory, ports, accessories, peripheral equipment, or software, or to replace your Computer System. There are no contractual limitations on the frequency or cost of your obligation to upgrade and replace hardware and software for your Computer System.
Manuals
The Manuals contain mandatory and suggested specifications, standards, and operating procedures. The Manuals are confidential, remain our property, and must be kept secure. The Manuals are currently provided electronically through the Learning Management System. Currently, you must pay a license fee to our Approved Supplier in order to use such system.
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, franchisees must currently pay a license fee to an Approved Supplier to access the Learning Management System (LMS) where the manuals are provided electronically. Additionally, franchisees are required to purchase a dedicated iPad or Windows tablet/computer that meets the hardware and software specifications necessary to use the Learning Management System. This tablet will be used to deliver training materials, digital recipes, videos, communication, and engagement activities digitally. Franchisees may also be required to pay Cinnabon, its affiliates, or an Approved Supplier an annual license fee to use the Learning Management System, which is currently $170 per year per Bakery. The annual license fee may change from time to time.
This means that to access the operational manuals and training materials, a new Cinnabon franchisee will incur costs for both the device to access the LMS and potentially a license fee to the Approved Supplier. The FDD specifies that the manuals contain mandatory and suggested specifications, standards, and operating procedures, so access to them is crucial for running the franchise according to Cinnabon's standards. The franchisee also may be required to pay Cinnabon, its affiliates, or an Approved Supplier an annual license fee to use the Learning Management System, which is currently $170 per year per Bakery.
The requirement to use a specific LMS and potentially pay a license fee is fairly common in franchising, as it allows the franchisor to maintain consistency and control over training and operational materials. However, the added requirement to purchase a specific tablet adds an additional layer of cost that prospective franchisees should factor into their initial investment. It is important to note that the annual license fee of $170 is subject to change, so franchisees should confirm the current fee and any potential future increases with Cinnabon.
Prospective franchisees should clarify with Cinnabon whether the license fee to the Approved Supplier and the annual license fee of $170 are separate costs, or if the $170 covers the license fee to the Approved Supplier. Understanding the full scope of these technology-related costs is essential for accurate financial planning.