Is a Coffee News franchisee required to use Coffee News Printing, LLC for printing services initially?
Coffee_News Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
all have the right to produce and supply Copy to Franchisee under the terms of a separate agreement entered into between Franchisor and 2703203 Manitoba Inc.
- 4.4 Printing Services. Franchisee acknowledges and agrees that it will purchase the printing services from Coffee News Printing, LLC in Bangor, Maine for a minimum period of one (1) year from the date of this Agreement. Upon expiration of such one (1) year, Franchisee may continue using the printing service of Coffee News Printing, LLC, but has the option to purchase printing service from another print shop. The goods or services sold buy us or our affiliate to you may only be marked-up to the
extent that they cover corresponding costs or expenses incurred in procuring or producing these goods and services.
Source: Item 8 — Restrictions on Sources of Products and Services (FDD pages 14–15)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Coffee News Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are generally required to use Coffee News Printing, LLC for printing services for the first year of their franchise agreement. Specifically, the FDD states that franchisees must purchase printing services from Coffee News Printing, LLC in Bangor, Maine, for a minimum of one year from the date of the agreement. After this initial year, franchisees have the option to continue using Coffee News Printing, LLC or switch to another print shop.
However, there is an exception to this rule. If a franchisee receives financing from Coffee News to purchase a minimum of four franchises and pays the training fees, they are obligated to use Coffee News Printing, LLC for the duration of the loan term. This condition ensures that Coffee News maintains some control over the quality and consistency of the printed product when they have a financial stake in the franchisee's operation.
In 2024, Coffee News Printing LLC's total revenue was $444,936, with $4,233 derived from required purchases from Coffee News publishers, representing .95% of its total revenue. This indicates that while the printing requirement exists, the revenue it generates for Coffee News Printing LLC is a small percentage of its overall income. Prospective franchisees should consider these requirements and exceptions when evaluating the financial and operational aspects of the Coffee News franchise.