Does the Cream Guaranty include non-competition requirements for the Guarantor?
Cream Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
-|---|---|---| | Marks, unless we direct you otherwise in connection with our exercise of our option to purchase | | | |
ATTACHMENT D TO FRANCHISE AGREEMENT
GUARANTY AND ASSUMPTION OF OBLIGATIONS
THIS GUARANTY AND ASSUMPTION OF OBLIGATIONS is given by each of the undersigned persons indicated below who have executed this Guaranty (each a "Guarantor") to be effective as of the Effective Date of the Agreement (defined below).
In consideration of, and as an inducement to, the execution of that certain Franchise Agreement (the "Agreement") on this date by Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams Franchise, LLC ("us," "we," or "our"), each Guarantor personally and unconditionally (a) guarantees to us and our successors and assigns, for the term of the Agreement and afterward as provided in the Agreement, that ________________________________________ ("Franchise Owner") will punctually pay and perform each and every undertaking, agreement, and covenant set forth in the Agreement and (b) agrees to be personally bound by, and personally liable for the breach of, each and every provision in the Agreement, both monetary obligations and obligations to take or refrain from taking specific actions or to engage or refrain from engaging in specific activities, including the non-competition, confidentiality, and transfer requirements.
Each Guarantor consents and agrees that: (1) Guarantor's direct and immediate liability under this Guaranty will be joint and several, both with Franchise Owner and among other guarantors; (2) Guarantor will render any payment or performance required under the Agreement upon demand if Franchise Owner fails or refuses punctually to do so; (3) this liability will not be contingent or conditioned upon our pursuit of any remedies against Franchise Owner or any other person; (4) this liability will not be diminished, relieved, or otherwise affected by any extension of time, credit, or other indulgence which we may from time to time grant to Franchise Owner or to any other person, including the acceptance of any partial payment or performance or the compromise or release of any claims, or any amendment, waiver or restatement to any terms of the Agreement, none of which will in any way modify or amend this Guaranty, which will be continuing and irrevocable during the term of the Agreement; and (5) at our request, each Guarantor shall present updated financial information to us as reasonably necessary to demonstrate such Guarantor's ability to satisfy the financial obligations of Franchise Owner under the Agreement.
Each Guarantor waives: (i) all rights to payments and claims for reimbursement or subrogation which any Guarantor may have against Franchise Owner arising as a result of the Guarantor's execution of and performance under this Guaranty; and (ii) acceptance and notice of acceptance by us of Guarantor's undertakings under this Guaranty, notice of demand for payment of any indebtedness or non-performance of any obligations hereby guaranteed, protest and notice of default to any party with respect to the indebtedness or nonperformance of any obligations hereby guaranteed, and any other notices to which he or she may be entitled.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 61–192)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 FDD, the Cream Guaranty includes non-competition requirements for the Guarantor. Specifically, each Guarantor agrees to be personally bound by, and personally liable for the breach of, each and every provision in the Franchise Agreement, including obligations to take or refrain from taking specific actions or to engage or refrain from engaging in specific activities, including the non-competition requirements. This obligation extends for the term of the Agreement and afterward as provided in the Agreement.
For a Cream franchisee, this means that if a Guarantor is required, they must adhere to the non-competition terms outlined in the Franchise Agreement. This could restrict the Guarantor from engaging in any competitive business during the term of the agreement and for a certain period after the agreement terminates or expires. The non-compete obligations are material terms of the guaranty.
Furthermore, the spouse of each Guarantor also acknowledges and consents to be bound by the obligations in the Agreement regarding confidential information and the restrictive covenants regarding non-competition. This consent also serves to bind the assets of the marital estate to the Guarantor's performance of the Guaranty. This is a significant consideration, as it extends the non-competition obligations to the spouse and potentially impacts the marital assets. Cream also requires each guarantor to present updated financial information to demonstrate such Guarantor's ability to satisfy the financial obligations of Franchise Owner under the Agreement.