Under what circumstances might I operate a Cinnabon Express Bakery that is not located in a Host Facility?
Cinnabon Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
An "Express Bakery" is a Bakery where you produce and sell a limited selection of Cinnabon products from a space that will typically be located in another restaurant, food service facility, or business approved by us ("Host Facility").
Typically, if we offer you the opportunity to operate an Express Bakery, the Express Bakery will be located in a Schlotzsky's® restaurant (which will be the Host Facility).
In limited circumstances, we may offer you the opportunity to operate an Express Bakery that is not located in a Host Facility or in a Host Facility that operates under a brand other than Schlotzsky's.
Source: Item 1 — The Franchisor and any Parents, Predecessors, and Affiliates (FDD pages 9–25)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Cinnabon FDD, an Express Bakery typically operates within a host facility, often a Schlotzsky's restaurant. However, Cinnabon may, in limited circumstances, offer the opportunity to operate an Express Bakery that is not located in a Host Facility or is in a Host Facility that operates under a brand other than Schlotzsky's.
This means that while the standard model for a Cinnabon Express Bakery involves co-location with another business, there are exceptions. These exceptions are not guaranteed and are at the discretion of Cinnabon. If you are interested in opening an Express Bakery in a location that is not a Schlotzsky's or another approved host facility, you would need to discuss this possibility with Cinnabon during the franchise application process.
It's important to note that these "limited circumstances" are not defined further in the FDD excerpt. A prospective franchisee should inquire with Cinnabon about what specific criteria or situations would qualify for this exception. Understanding these circumstances is crucial for planning the location and business model of your Cinnabon Express Bakery.