What is the 'Grand Opening Plan' for a Corner Bakery Cafe franchise?
Corner_Bakery_Cafe Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ccount, the excess funding will be carried over for reimbursement during the first calendar quarter of the next calendar year. After March 31 of each calendar year, all funds carried over from the preceding calendar year shall no longer be available for reimbursement to you and shall be contributed to the National Marketing Fund. You acknowledge and agree that such excess unreimbursed funds are non-refundable, shall not be considered to be held in trust for you and that we make no representation and undertake no obligation to make any expenditure of such funds on your behalf.
- 6.6 Opening Marketing. At least 60 days prior to the opening of the Franchised Cafe, you must submit a Grand Opening Required Spending Plan (the "Grand Opening Plan") to us outlining your proposal for grand opening marketing and promotion of the Franchised Cafe. You shall not implement the
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 55)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Corner Bakery Cafe's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must submit a Grand Opening Required Spending Plan to Corner Bakery Cafe at least 60 days before opening their location. This plan outlines the franchisee's proposal for marketing and promoting the new Corner Bakery Cafe. The franchisee cannot implement this plan until Corner Bakery Cafe approves it in writing. Corner Bakery Cafe can request modifications to the plan, and franchisees must receive written consent before making any substantial changes.
During the Grand Opening Period, which begins 30 days before the scheduled opening and continues for 180 days after the opening, franchisees must spend at least $15,000 on grand opening marketing and promotion. This spending is in addition to the franchisee's Marketing Advisory Organization (MAO) and Field Marketing obligations.
This requirement ensures that new Corner Bakery Cafe locations launch with a significant marketing push, but it also means franchisees must allocate a substantial budget for these initial promotional activities. Franchisees need to carefully plan their grand opening marketing strategy and budget to comply with Corner Bakery Cafe's requirements and maximize the impact of their launch.