What is Cream's role in approving a franchisee's Shop to open for business?
Cream Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Before you begin operating your Shop, we or our designees will:
-
- If you have not received approval for a Premises for your Shop upon signing your agreement, we will review and approve or disapprove a proposed site for your Shop (Area Development Agreement, Section 2.C; Franchise Agreement – Sections 2.A).
-
- Review and approve or disapprove the Construction Plans and Lease (each defined below) for your Shop. Other than the Proprietary Products sold by Parent, we do not directly provide, deliver, or install any equipment, signs, fixtures, opening inventory, or supplies for our franchisees (Franchise Agreement – Section 2.B and 2.C).
-
- If you are opening your first Jeni's Ice Creams Scoop Shop, provide the Initial Training Program to your Mandatory Trainees (Franchise Agreement – Section 4.A).
-
- If you are opening your first Jeni's Ice Creams Scoop Shop, provide on-site opening support for five days in connection with your grand opening (Franchise Agreement – Section 4.C).
-
- Make our Brand Manual available to you (Franchise Agreement − Section 4.E).
-
- Approve or disapprove your grand opening advertising program (Franchise Agreement Section 9.A).
-
- Review and either approve or disapprove your Shop to open for business (Franchise Agreement – Section 2.C).
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, Cream has the authority to review and either approve or disapprove a franchisee's shop to open for business. This is one of the key steps a franchisee must complete before beginning operations. Cream also provides assistance prior to opening, including reviewing and approving the proposed site, construction plans, and lease for the shop. Cream also makes its Brand Manual available to franchisees. Cream also approves the franchisee's grand opening advertising program.
Cream's approval process extends to various aspects of the shop's development. Franchisees are responsible for conforming to local ordinances and building codes, obtaining necessary permits, and constructing the premises according to Cream's specifications. Franchisees must develop and outfit their shop according to Cream's approved Construction Plans. Franchisees cannot modify the Construction Plans without Cream's approval.
Cream estimates that a shop will begin operating within eight months after the lease is executed or by the first anniversary of signing the Franchise Agreement. The opening date depends on several factors, including Cream's approval of the premises, Construction Plans, and Lease. Cream may terminate the Franchise Agreement if the franchisee fails to open the shop by the specified deadlines. Cream also requires the franchisee and their shopkeeper to complete an initial training program to Cream's satisfaction before the opening date.