Is customer data considered confidential information for a Crave Cookies franchise?

According to Crave Cookies's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, customer data is considered confidential information. Specifically, all customer data and other non-public data generated by the Business is Confidential Information and is exclusively owned by Crave Cookies Franchising.

This means that as a Crave Cookies franchisee, you do not own the customer data your business generates. Instead, Crave Cookies retains ownership and grants you a license to use this data solely for operating your franchise during the term of the agreement. This license is provided without charge.

The FDD emphasizes the importance of maintaining the confidentiality of this data. As a franchisee, you are obligated to adhere to Crave Cookies's procedures for maintaining confidentiality, disclose the information to employees only to the extent necessary for business operations, and prevent unauthorized use or disclosure. This obligation extends even after the franchise agreement terminates or expires.

This is a fairly standard practice in franchising, as the franchisor wants to maintain control over brand-related data. Franchisees should be aware that they cannot take customer data with them if they leave the Crave Cookies system. Franchisees should factor this into their business planning, particularly regarding marketing and customer relationship management.