What requirements must the transferee meet to be approved as a new Cinnabon franchisee?
Cinnabon Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- D.
The transferee and its proposed directors, officers, shareholders, partners, and members, as applicable, and its Manager and any other personnel we designate, who will be responsible for operating and managing the Business, satisfactorily complete before the date of Transfer our Management Training Program.
- E.
The transferee and its directors, officers, shareholders, partners, members, and managers, as applicable, meet our requirements for approval as new franchisees, including our requirements for proficiency in the English language.
- F.
Notwithstanding when the Franchised Business was last remodeled, the transferee agrees in writing that it will, at its expense, upgrade, and remodel the Franchised Business to conform to our then-current Standards for quality and appearance and trade dress within the time we reasonably specify; provided, however, if the Franchised Business conforms to our then-current Standards for appearance, the transferee will only address all items identified in the last quality assurance inspection, within the time we reasonably state.
- G.
The transferee signs our then-current form of franchise agreement and all other then-current related agreements as we require of new franchisees generally provided, however, the transferee will not be required to pay the initial franchise fee stated in the new franchise agreement and the term of the new franchise agreement will expire on the expiration date of the Term of this Agreement.
- H.
The transferee (and, if the transferee is not an individual, such owners of a legal or beneficial interest in the transferee as we may request) must (i) enter into a written assignment, in a form satisfactory to us, assuming and agreeing to discharge and guarantee all of your obligations under this Agreement and (ii) must execute our then-current form of personal guarantee.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 114–399)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cinnabon's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a transferee seeking approval as a new franchisee must meet several requirements. The transferee, along with its directors, officers, shareholders, partners, members, and managers, must satisfy Cinnabon's criteria for new franchisee approval, including demonstrating proficiency in English.
Additionally, the transferee must complete Cinnabon's Management Training Program satisfactorily before the transfer date. The transferee must also sign Cinnabon's then-current form of franchise agreement and any other related agreements generally required of new franchisees. However, the transferee is not required to pay the initial franchise fee, and the new franchise agreement's term will align with the original agreement's expiration date.
Furthermore, the transferee must agree in writing to upgrade and remodel the franchised business to meet Cinnabon's current standards for quality, appearance, and trade dress within a reasonable timeframe, regardless of when the business was last remodeled. An exception is made if the business already conforms to current standards, in which case the transferee only needs to address items from the most recent quality assurance inspection within a reasonable time. The transferee (and specified owners, if applicable) must also enter into a written assignment, agreeing to fulfill and guarantee all obligations under the original agreement and execute Cinnabon's current personal guarantee form.