If a Cinnaholic franchisee is in compliance with the development schedule, can the Development Agreement be terminated if a Franchise Agreement is terminated?
Cinnaholic Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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Franchise Agreement
| Provision | Section in Franchise Agreement | Summary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| a. | Length of the franchise term | Section 2.1 | 10 years |
| b. | Renewal or extension of the term | Section 2.2 | If you meet the requirements, you can renew for one additional consecutive 10 year term; after that you will have no right to renew the Franchise Agreement. |
| c. | Requirements for franchisee to renew or extend | Section 2.2 | You must: provide written notice of election to renew; not be in default of the Franchise Agreement or any other agreement relating to the Bakery; sign the then-current form of Franchise Agreement; pay a renewal fee; refurbish the Bakery, if required; complete any required retraining program; sign the current form of general release in Exhibit J to this Disclosure Document; and maintain ownership or leasehold interest in the Bakery location or secure a suitable alternative. Terms of the then-current form of Franchise Agreement may differ materially from any and all of those contained in the Franchise Agreement attached to this Disclosure Document. |
| d. | Termination by franchisee | Section 21.1 | You can terminate only if we fail to cure a default under the Franchise Agreement within 90 days (or 150 days in some instances) after you give us written notice of termination. |
| e. | Termination by franchisor without cause | Not Applicable | Not Applicable. Termination of the Development Agreement does not allow for the termination of any then in force Franchise Agreement. Termination of any Franchise Agreement does not allow for termination of the Development Agreement, so long as Franchisee is otherwise in compliance with its development schedule. |
| f. | Termination by franchisor with cause | Sections 21.2 and 21.3 | We can terminate only if you default or if certain events (described in (g) and (h) below) occur. In some instances, you will have an opportunity to cure the default. Termination of the Development Agreement does not allow for the termination of any then in force Franchise Agreement. Termination of any Franchise Agreement does not allow for termination of the Development Agreement, so long as Franchisee is otherwise in compliance with its development schedule. |
| g. "Cause" defined – curable defaults | Section 21.3 | Failure to comply with our standards and procedures or any term of the Franchise Agreement not covered in "h" below, including: failure to submit required reports; failure to relocate; failure to comply with any of the terms and conditions of any other agreement entered into by you in connection with your Bakery; failure to maintain required insurance; and failure to restore Bakery to full operation if it is rendered inoperable by casualty. You have 30 days (or 60 days in some instances) after we give you written notice to cure the default. Termination of the Development Agreement does not allow for the termination of any then in force Franchise Agreement. Termination of any Franchise Agreement does not allow for termination of the Development Agreement, so long as Franchisee is otherwise in compliance with its development schedule. | |
| h. |
Source: Item 17 — RENEWAL, TERMINATION, TRANSFER, AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION THE FRANCHISE RELATIONSHIP (FDD pages 42–50)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cinnaholic's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the termination of a Franchise Agreement does not automatically lead to the termination of the Development Agreement, provided the franchisee is in compliance with the development schedule. Conversely, the termination of a Development Agreement does not allow for the termination of any then in force Franchise Agreement. This means that as long as the franchisee adheres to the agreed-upon development timeline, their Development Agreement remains intact, even if a specific Franchise Agreement is terminated. This provision offers a degree of security for franchisees who are actively developing multiple Cinnaholic locations.
This clause protects franchisees who have invested in developing multiple units, ensuring that the termination of one franchise doesn't jeopardize their entire development plan, assuming they meet the development schedule. It also protects Cinnaholic, as the Development Agreement will remain in effect as long as the franchisee is in compliance with the development schedule.
It is important for prospective Cinnaholic franchisees to understand the specific conditions and requirements of the development schedule outlined in their Development Agreement. This includes understanding the timelines for opening new locations and any performance metrics that must be met to remain in compliance. Franchisees should also seek legal counsel to fully understand their rights and obligations under both the Franchise Agreement and the Development Agreement.