What is the Cinnaholic franchisee's obligation regarding the condition of the Cinnaholic Bakery's interior signs?
Cinnaholic Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
s or any other merchandise of any kind without the prior written approval of Franchisor.
(xiii) For carry-out orders, serve all products in such printed paper containers, boxes, wrappers, trays, soft drink cups and carry-out bags that conform to the standards and specifications designated by Franchisor in the Operations Manual or otherwise.
(xiv) Make no physical changes from blueprint specifications or approved remodeling plans in connection with the premises constituting the Bakery on the Franchised Site, or the design thereof, or any of the materials used therein, or their colors, without the express written approval of Franchisor, except that Franchisee will, upon request of the Franchisor, make such reasonable alterations to the Bakery or premises as may be necessary to conform to the then-current marketing and operating standards and specifications of CINNAHOLIC®. Franchisee will paint the Bakery (interior or exterior) at such intervals as Franchisor may reasonably determine to be advisable, which determination shall in no event be more than once in any calendar year, using paints which will be in accordance with specifications given by Franchisor.
(xv) Ensure that an individual who has completed the initial training program described in Section 14.1 below is at the Bakery at all times during normal business hours as established by Franchisor from time to time.
(xvi) Participate in all national, regional or local advertising and promotional activities Franchisor requires.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 61–62)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cinnaholic's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees have obligations to maintain the appearance of their bakeries, including interior signs. Cinnaholic franchisees must make no physical changes to the premises, design, or materials used without express written approval from Cinnaholic. However, franchisees will make reasonable alterations to the bakery or premises as necessary to conform to the then-current marketing and operating standards and specifications of Cinnaholic. Franchisees are also responsible for painting the interior of the bakery at intervals determined by Cinnaholic, but no more than once per calendar year, using the franchisor's specified paints.
Upon termination or expiration of the franchise agreement, the franchisee must discontinue all use of Cinnaholic's marks, including on signs. Any signs containing Cinnaholic's marks that the franchisee cannot remove within one day of termination or expiration must be completely covered until removal within 10 days. The franchisee is also responsible for making reasonable modifications to the interior décor of the bakery to eliminate its identification as a Cinnaholic bakery.
Cinnaholic retains significant control over the appearance and branding of its bakeries, ensuring uniformity across all locations. This includes the right to require franchisees to update and maintain their interior signs and décor to meet current standards. Franchisees bear the costs associated with these updates and modifications, which can include structural changes, new equipment and signs, remodeling, and redecoration. This level of control is typical in franchising, as it protects the brand's image and ensures a consistent customer experience.