What happens to a Crave Cookies franchise upon the death or incapacity of the franchisee?

According to Crave Cookies's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if the franchisee (or the owner with the largest ownership interest, if the franchisee is an entity) dies or becomes incapacitated, their executor, administrator, or personal representative must transfer the business within nine months. This transfer must be to a third party approved by Crave Cookies, or to another person who was an owner at the time of death or incapacity. The transfer must also comply with the standard transfer requirements outlined in Section 15.2 of the franchise agreement.

This provision ensures that the Crave Cookies franchise continues to operate even in unforeseen circumstances. The nine-month window provides the deceased or incapacitated franchisee's estate with time to find a suitable buyer or transfer the business to a qualified existing owner. Crave Cookies retains approval rights over the transferee to maintain brand standards and operational consistency.

For a prospective Crave Cookies franchisee, this clause highlights the importance of succession planning. Franchisees should consider how their business will be managed or transferred in the event of death or incapacity. This may involve having a clear plan for transferring ownership to a family member, business partner, or third party, and ensuring that all necessary legal and financial arrangements are in place. The requirement to comply with Section 15.2 means that the potential transferee will need to meet Crave Cookies's standard requirements for new franchisees, including financial qualifications and training.