In Virginia, what is the Crave Cookies requirement regarding payment of the initial franchise fee?

According to Crave Cookies's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, there is a specific addendum for franchisees in Virginia regarding the initial franchise fee. The Virginia State Corporation Commission's Division of Securities and Retail Franchising mandates that Crave Cookies must defer the payment of the initial franchise fee and any other initial payments until Crave Cookies has fulfilled all of its pre-opening obligations as outlined in the franchise agreement.

This means that a new Crave Cookies franchisee in Virginia will not be required to pay the initial franchise fee upfront. Instead, the payment is contingent upon Crave Cookies completing all the necessary steps and obligations to prepare the franchisee's location for opening. This provides a level of financial protection for the franchisee, ensuring that they only pay the fee once Crave Cookies has delivered on its promises and the store is ready to begin operations.

This arrangement is more favorable for the franchisee compared to the standard practice in many franchise systems, where the initial franchise fee is typically paid upon signing the franchise agreement, regardless of how quickly or effectively the franchisor provides pre-opening support. This deferred payment structure reduces the franchisee's initial financial risk and aligns the franchisor's interests with the successful and timely opening of the new Crave Cookies location in Virginia.