Are the Royalty Fees paid to Cinnabon refundable?

According to the 2025 Cinnabon Franchise Disclosure Document, the royalty fees franchisees pay to Cinnabon are non-refundable. Specifically, franchisees must pay a recurring royalty fee in the amount and at the times specified in Schedule A, and this fee is explicitly described as "non-refundable".

This means that once a Cinnabon franchisee pays the royalty fee, they cannot get it back under normal circumstances. This is a standard practice in franchising, as royalty fees are intended to compensate the franchisor for the ongoing use of their brand, system, and support. The franchisee should factor this into their financial planning and ensure they can consistently meet this obligation.

In addition to the non-refundable royalty fee, Cinnabon franchisees must also pay a non-refundable advertising contribution. This contribution is used for marketing and advertising efforts to promote the Cinnabon brand, and like the royalty fee, it is not refundable. Franchisees need to be aware of these ongoing, non-refundable fees as they represent a significant part of the cost of operating a Cinnabon franchise.