What is the deadline for a Cream franchisee to secure possession of the site under an approved lease after signing the Franchise Agreement?
Cream Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must obtain our approval of a site that will be your Premises and secure possession of the site under the terms of a Lease we have approved within 120 days of the date of signing your Franchise Agreement. If you fail to satisfy any of these deadlines, we may terminate your Franchise Agreement.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 28–35)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cream's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee must obtain Cream's approval of a site for their premises and secure possession of the site under a lease approved by Cream within 120 days of signing the Franchise Agreement. Failing to meet this deadline could result in the termination of the Franchise Agreement.
This requirement means that prospective Cream franchisees need to act quickly and efficiently in identifying a suitable location, negotiating lease terms, and obtaining the necessary approvals from Cream. The 120-day timeframe includes not only finding a site but also getting Cream's approval on the site itself, the construction plans, and the lease agreement. This process necessitates careful planning and coordination to ensure all steps are completed within the given timeframe.
The relatively short timeframe of 120 days places significant pressure on the franchisee to manage the site selection and lease negotiation process effectively. Franchisees should engage experienced real estate professionals and legal counsel to assist in these efforts. Additionally, maintaining open communication with Cream throughout the process is crucial to avoid delays and ensure compliance with their requirements. This also means that the franchisee should have financing lined up and be ready to execute quickly once a site is approved.
Many franchise systems have similar requirements for site selection and lease approval, but the specific timeframes can vary. Some franchisors may offer more extended periods or provide more direct assistance in the site selection process. Cream's policy underscores the importance of thorough preparation and proactive management on the part of the franchisee to meet the stipulated deadlines and avoid potential termination of the Franchise Agreement.