Is the Endless Summer Sweets location operated by Antoinette Sanchez a franchise or an affiliate?

According to Endless Summer Sweets' 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, the location operated by Antoinette Sanchez in Berkeley, California is operated by an affiliate, not a franchisee. Specifically, Antoinette Sanchez has owned and operated the Endless Summer Sweets location since 2016.

This distinction is important for potential franchisees because the operations of affiliate locations may differ from franchised locations. The FDD states that the affiliate, Endless Summer Sweets, Inc., has operated an Endless Summer Sweets restaurant in Berkeley, California since 2016, offering the same theme and menu items as the franchise. This suggests that the affiliate location serves as a model for the franchise, but it's not subject to the same franchise agreement terms.

Prospective franchisees should understand the relationship between the franchisor and its affiliates, as well as how affiliate operations might influence or differ from franchised operations. Understanding the distinction between franchised and affiliate-owned locations can help a potential franchisee better assess the support, training, and operational standards they can expect from Endless Summer Sweets.