Is Crave Cookies obligated to approve a franchisee's request for relocation?
Crave_Cookies Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You do not have the right to independently relocate your business, and we have no obligation to approve any request for relocation. Our policy is to approve relocation of a franchisee's business on a case-by-case basis, considering factors such as changes in demographics, profitability of your current business, or a loss of your premises due to circumstances beyond your control.
Source: Item 12 — TERRITORY (FDD pages 29–31)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Crave Cookies's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees do not have the right to relocate their business independently, and Crave Cookies is under no obligation to approve a relocation request. However, Crave Cookies's policy is to consider relocation requests on a case-by-case basis.
When evaluating a relocation request, Crave Cookies will consider factors such as changes in the area's demographics, the profitability of the franchisee's current business, or if the current premises are lost due to circumstances beyond the franchisee's control. This means that while relocation is not guaranteed, Crave Cookies may be willing to work with franchisees facing legitimate hardships or those who can demonstrate a strategic advantage to moving locations.
This policy is fairly standard in the franchise industry, as franchisors typically want to maintain control over brand consistency and market strategy. While a franchisee might find a better location on their own, Crave Cookies wants to ensure that any relocation aligns with their overall network development plans and protects the interests of other franchisees in the area. Therefore, franchisees should carefully consider their initial location and business plan, understanding that relocation is not a guaranteed option if their initial choice does not perform as expected.