What conditions might Cream establish for approving a Shopkeeper?
Cream Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You are solely responsible for the management, direction and control of your Shop and all day-to-day operations of your Shop. You must supervise the management and day-to-day operation of your Shop and continuously exert best efforts to promote and enhance your Shop. If you (or your Principal Owner) does not wish to manage the operation of your Shop on a day-to-day basis, you must obtain our approval of any person that you wish to engage to supervise the management of your Shop (each a "Shopkeeper"). We may establish conditions for approving any such Shopkeeper, which may include the completion of training, confirmation that such Shopkeeper will have no competitive business, and/or execution of a non-disclosure agreement. During any period in which no Shopkeeper is approved (including because the Shopkeeper resigns or otherwise indicates to us or you that he or she wishes to cease acting as your Shopkeeper, or we disapprove of your Shopkeeper for any reason), you (or your Principal Owner) must supervise the day-to-day operations of your Shop. Your Shop must always be under the direct on-site supervision of one or more persons who we have approved and who
have completed the Initial Training Program to our satisfaction. Each Jeni's Ice Creams Scoop Shop must have a separate Shopkeeper.
Source: Item 15 — OBLIGATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ACTUAL OPERATION OF THE FRANCHISE BUSINESS (FDD pages 42–43)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cream's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee or their Principal Owner does not wish to manage the day-to-day operations of their shop, they must obtain Cream's approval for a Shopkeeper. Cream has the discretion to establish conditions for approving a Shopkeeper.
These conditions may include the completion of training to ensure the Shopkeeper is well-versed in Cream's operational standards and practices. Another condition could be confirmation that the Shopkeeper does not have any competitive business interests that could conflict with their duties to Cream. Cream may also require the Shopkeeper to execute a non-disclosure agreement to protect Cream's confidential information and trade secrets.
It is important to note that during any period where a Shopkeeper is not approved, the franchisee or their Principal Owner must supervise the shop's daily operations. Cream also stipulates that each shop must always be under the direct, on-site supervision of one or more persons who have been approved by Cream and have completed the Initial Training Program to Cream's satisfaction. Each Jeni's Ice Creams Scoop Shop must have a separate Shopkeeper.