What is the 'Manual' referring to in the Crave Cookies franchise agreement?
Crave_Cookies Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
en its written approval to open, which will not be unreasonably withheld.
- 6.6 Opening Date. Franchisee shall open the Business to the public on or before the date stated on the Summary Page.
ARTICLE 7. OPERATIONS
- 7.1 Compliance with Manual and System Standards. Franchisee shall at all times and at its own expense comply with all mandatory obligations contained in the Manual and with all other System Standards. If Franchisee is found to be in non-compliance with Crave Cookies Franchising's System, Manuals, or standards, Franchisee will be charged a fine as set forth in Our Operations Manual. The fine is due upon billing.
- 7.2 Compliance with Law. Franchisee and the Business shall comply with all laws and regulations. Franchisee and the Business shall obtain and keep in force all governmental permits and licenses necessary for the Business.
- 7.3 Products, Services, and Methods of Sale. Franchisee shall offer all products and services, and only those products and services, from time to time prescribed by Crave Cookies Franchising in the Manual or otherwise in writing. Franchisee shall make sales only to retail customers, and only at the Location. Unless otherwise approved or required by Crave Cookies Franchising, Franchisee shall not make sales by any other means, including without limitation by wholesale, by delivery, by mail order or over the internet, or at temporary or satellite locations. Franchisee shall provide all products and perform all services in a high-quality manner that meets or exceeds the customer's reasonable expectations and all applicable System Standards.
- 7.4 Menu. Franchisee shall offer all menu items, beverages, and other products and services, and only those menu items, beverages, and other products and services, from time to time prescribed by Crave Cookies Franchising, LLC in the Manual or otherwise in writing.
- 7.5 Preparation. Franchisee shall follow all recipes prescribed by Crave Cookies Franchising, LLC, including, without limitation, use of all ingredients specified or authorized by Crave Cookies Franchising, LLC, and only such ingredients. Franchisee shall prepare and serve
all food products in a high-quality manner that meets or exceeds the customer's reasonable expectations and all applicable System Standards. Franchisee shall not substitute any recipe prescribed by Crave Cookies Franchising, LLC, unless Franchisee receives express written permission from Crave Cookies Franchising, LLC to make a substitution.
- 7.6 Inventory. Franchisee shall maintain sufficient levels of inventory at all times.
- 7.7 Method of Sale. Franchisee shall make sales only at the Location or by off-site catering services, or at temporary event locations (e.g. street festivals). Unless otherwise approved or required by Crave Cookies Franchising, LLC, Franchisee shall not make sales by any other means, including without limitation by delivery by Franchisee, delivery by third-party service, via a food truck, or at satellite locations.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 47)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Crave Cookies' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the 'Manual' contains mandatory obligations and system standards that franchisees must adhere to at their own expense. This manual is a critical component of the Crave Cookies franchise system, outlining the specific rules and guidelines for operating a franchise.
The Manual dictates various aspects of the business, including the products and services offered, methods of sale, and menu items. Franchisees are required to offer only those products and services prescribed by Crave Cookies in the Manual or in writing. Recipes and the use of specified ingredients are also detailed in the Manual, ensuring consistency across all franchise locations. Franchisees are expected to maintain high-quality standards in both product preparation and service, meeting or exceeding customer expectations and adhering to all system standards outlined in the Manual.
Crave Cookies also uses the manual to set standards for personnel. Franchisees must ensure their personnel comply with dress attire, uniform, personal appearance, and hygiene standards as outlined in the Manual. Crave Cookies retains the right to modify the Manual or System Standards, meaning franchisees must stay updated with any changes. Non-compliance with Crave Cookies' system, manuals, or standards can result in fines, which are due upon billing. Additionally, upon termination of the franchise agreement, franchisees must return all copies of the Manual to Crave Cookies.