Under the Cinnabon franchise agreement, is it possible for changes to the Standards or Manuals to obligate a franchisee to invest additional capital in the Franchised Business and/or incur higher operating costs?

According to the 2025 Cinnabon Franchise Disclosure Document, changes to the Standards or Manuals may require a franchisee to invest additional capital in the Franchised Business and/or incur higher operating costs. Cinnabon communicates changes in the Standards or the Manuals in writing or electronically. Franchisees must immediately adopt and use any Supplements to the Manuals, which are binding as if they were part of the original Manuals. Franchisees are responsible for monitoring and maintaining a current copy of the Manuals at their Franchised Business. The master copy of the Manuals maintained by Cinnabon will control in case of any dispute.

This means that Cinnabon franchisees must stay informed about updates to the brand's operating procedures and standards, as these changes could necessitate further investment in the business. This could include purchasing new equipment or supplies or paying additional fees to comply with the updated standards.

It is common in franchising for franchisors to update their standards and manuals periodically to maintain brand consistency and competitiveness. However, it is important for prospective franchisees to understand that these changes can have financial implications. Franchisees should budget for potential capital expenditures and increased operating costs due to changes in standards and manuals throughout the term of their franchise agreement. Franchisees should also clarify with Cinnabon what recourse they have if they feel a change to standards places an undue burden on their business.