Does Crave Cookies Franchising have to operate all social media accounts on behalf of the Crave Cookies system?
Crave_Cookies Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisee shall not conduct any marketing, advertising, or public relations activities (including in-store marketing materials, websites, online advertising, social media marketing or presence, and sponsorships) that have not been approved by Crave Cookies Franchising. Crave Cookies Franchising may (but is not obligated to) operate all "social media" accounts on behalf of the System, or it may permit franchisees to operate one or more accounts. Franchisee must comply with any System Standards regarding marketing, advertising, and public relations, include any social media policy that Crave Cookies Franchising may prescribe. Franchisee shall implement any marketing plans or campaigns determined by Crave Cookies Franchising.
- 9.2 Use by Crave Cookies Franchising. Crave Cookies Franchising may use any marketing materials or campaigns developed by or on behalf of Franchisee, and Franchisee hereby grants an unlimited, perpetual, royalty-free license to Crave Cookies Franchising for such purpose.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 47)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Crave Cookies's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Crave Cookies Franchising is not obligated to operate all social media accounts for the entire Crave Cookies system. The document states that Crave Cookies Franchising has the option to manage all social media accounts on behalf of the system, but they can also allow individual franchisees to operate one or more accounts.
This flexibility means that franchisees might have the opportunity to engage directly with their local customer base through social media, which could help in building community relationships and tailoring promotions to local preferences. However, any social media activities conducted by the franchisee must be approved by Crave Cookies Franchising and comply with any System Standards or social media policies they prescribe. This ensures brand consistency and adherence to the company's overall marketing strategy.
Crave Cookies Franchising also retains the right to use any marketing materials or campaigns developed by franchisees, granting them an unlimited, perpetual, royalty-free license for such use. This clause allows Crave Cookies to leverage successful local marketing initiatives across the entire franchise system, potentially benefiting all franchisees. Franchisees should be aware that their marketing creations could be adopted and used system-wide without additional compensation.