factual

After the termination or expiration of my Cinnabon franchise, what competitive business activities are prohibited?

Cinnabon Franchise · 2025 FDD

Answer from 2025 FDD Document

Provisions Section in Franchise Agreement Summary
o. You must comply with our right of first refusal. p. If you operate a Co-Branded Bakery, the Co-Branded Agreement or Co-Branded Franchise are transferred at the same time.
FA: 16.4 (non-control transfers) a. You give us prior written notice of the transfer. b. You pay all sums owed. c. You are not in default d. Transferee meets qualifications e. Transferee signs assignment and guaranty f. You and your guarantors and owners sign a general release. g. You remain liable for pre-Transfer obligations. h.You pay us a Transfer Fee.
FA: 16.5 (related party transfers) a. You give us prior written notice of the transfer. b. You are not in default c. Transferee meets qualifications d. Transferee assumes in writing the Franchise Agreement and the guaranty. e. You may not be in default under the Franchise Agreement. f. You pay us a Transfer Fee. g. You and your guarantors and owners must sign a general release and remain liable for pre-Transfer obligations
n. Our right of first refusal to acquire your business FA: 16.8 We can match any offer for your Bakery or substantially all interest in your entity.
ES: 20.Q. Above not applicable for an Express Bakery.
o. Our option to FA: 18.4 We may purchase your Goods related to the Bakery at the fair
purchase your market value (exclusive of good will) and may purchase your
business Accepted Location if you own it or your interest in any lease.
ES: 20.U. Above not applicable for an Express Bakery.
p. Your death or disability FA: 16.6 Upon 180 days from your death or permanent incapacity you must transfer all rights and interests to buyer that complies with Transfer provisions, except no Transfer Fee will be due.
q. Non- FA: 15.4 No involvement in a competitive business (generally, similar types of
competition businesses that offer products the same or similar to the Approved
covenants Products) anywhere. You may not divert or attempt to divert any
during the business or potential business, misuse vendor relationships, or
term of the perform, directly or indirectly, any other act injurious or prejudicial to
franchise the goodwill associated with the Proprietary Marks and the System.
r. Non- competition covenants after the franchise is terminated or expires FA: 15.4.B For 12 months after expiration or termination, no involvement in a competitive business at the Accepted Location, within 3 miles of your Accepted Location, or within 3 miles of any Bakery; and no diverting or attempting to divert any business from any Bakery.

Source: Item 17 — Renewal, Termination, Transfer, and Dispute Resolution (FDD pages 93–100)

What This Means (2025 FDD)

According to Cinnabon's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, for a period of 12 months after the expiration or termination of the franchise agreement, franchisees are restricted from engaging in certain competitive business activities. Specifically, a former franchisee cannot be involved in a competitive business at the previously approved location.

This non-compete clause also extends to a three-mile radius around both the former franchisee's location and any other Cinnabon bakery. Furthermore, the franchisee is prohibited from diverting or attempting to divert business from any Cinnabon bakery.

These restrictions are designed to protect Cinnabon's market share and goodwill by preventing former franchisees from leveraging their knowledge of the Cinnabon system to compete unfairly. Franchisees should carefully consider these post-term non-compete obligations, as they could impact their future business endeavors after leaving the Cinnabon system.

Disclaimer: This information is extracted from the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document and is provided for research purposes only. It does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with a franchise attorney before making any investment decisions.