What must a Cream franchisee obtain and install to meet System Standards?
Cream Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Once you receive our approval of your Lease, you must promptly apply for permits and other local licenses necessary to complete the construction outlined in your Construction Plans. We may require that you use suppliers we approve or designate to manage your permit and licensing applications. After signing your Lease and obtaining necessary permits, you must promptly begin to develop and outfit your Shop in accordance with the Construction Plans we have approved, at your cost, including that you must promptly obtain all required zoning changes, planning consents, building, utility, sign and business and other permits, consents and licenses necessary to lawfully open and operate your Shop. You may not modify the Construction Plans in any manner without our approval of such modifications. You must ensure that your Shop is designed and constructed in all respects in accordance with the Construction Plans we have approved. You must also, at your cost, to do all things necessary to develop and prepare your Shop for opening in accordance with this Agreement and our System Standards (defined in Section 4.E) including that you must:
- (1) obtain and install the operating assets we designate from time to time as meeting our System Standards for quality, design, appearance, function, and performance, including: (i) the computer hardware, software, and point-of-sale system (collectively, the "Computer System"), and (ii) all other fixtures, furniture, equipment, furnishings, and signage and other assets we specify as meeting our System Standards;
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 61–192)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cream's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, to meet System Standards, a franchisee must obtain and install operating assets that Cream designates as meeting its standards for quality, design, appearance, function, and performance. These assets include the Computer System, which comprises computer hardware, software, and a point-of-sale system. Additionally, franchisees must obtain and install all other fixtures, furniture, equipment, furnishings, signage, and other assets that Cream specifies as meeting its System Standards.
Cream franchisees are responsible for the costs associated with developing and outfitting their shop according to approved Construction Plans. This includes securing necessary permits, zoning changes, and licenses. Franchisees must ensure their shop is designed and constructed in accordance with these approved plans and must not modify them without Cream's approval.
Cream retains the right to modify System Standards periodically, which may require franchisees to invest additional capital in their shop or incur higher operating costs. Franchisees are obligated to implement these changes within the timeframe Cream requests, including purchasing additional or modified equipment, inventory, or supplies, using alternative suppliers, and updating the Computer System. The franchisee is solely responsible for the costs of implementing these changes.