Can the Cream franchisor deny a request for additional attendees at the Initial Training Program?

According to Cream's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Cream may deny a franchisee's request for additional attendees, beyond the mandatory trainees, at the Initial Training Program for any reason. For the first Jeni's Ice Creams Scoop Shop that a franchisee develops, Cream provides the Initial Training Program for up to three attendees selected and approved by Cream at no cost. These attendees must include the Mandatory Trainees and all attend the Initial Training Program at the same time.

This means that while Cream provides initial training for up to three people for the first shop, they have the discretion to refuse additional attendees. If Cream approves additional attendees beyond the initial three, they may charge a training fee. As of the effective date of the FDD, this fee is $1,000 per attendee and may be modified by up to 10% per year on a compounding basis.

For a prospective Cream franchisee, this highlights the importance of carefully selecting the initial three attendees for the training program, as additional spots may not be guaranteed. If a franchisee anticipates needing more than three people trained initially, it would be prudent to discuss this with Cream during the franchise application process to understand their willingness to accommodate such requests and any associated costs.