What must a franchisee obtain from Marble Slab Creamery before entering into any agreements with a proposed co-brand location?
Marble_Slab_Creamery Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
If you wish to operate a co-brand restaurant with a brand that is not our affiliate, you must submit to us all information that we request, including, for example (i) any existing agreements you have with the other brand relating to an existing restaurant that you operate in the other brand's franchise system, (ii) any proposed agreements that you desire to enter into with the other brand for the operation of the other concept in conjunction with your Restaurant, and (iii) any proposed modifications to the agreements that we have reviewed over the course of the term of your Franchise Agreement. Before you enter into any agreements with a proposed co-brand location, you must receive our written approval of each proposed other brand and each proposed agreement. We may withhold our approval for any reason, in our sole discretion. We may require your co-brand partner to be one of our affiliates.
The terms that apply to your operation of the any co-brand restaurant also are included in the form of Franchise Agreement.
Source: Item 1 — THE FRANCHISOR, AND ANY PARENTS, PREDECESSORS AND AFFILIATES (FDD pages 10–16)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Marble Slab Creamery Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee wishing to operate a co-brand restaurant with a brand that is not an affiliate of Marble Slab Creamery must first take specific steps and secure written approval. This process begins with the franchisee providing Marble Slab Creamery with all requested information pertaining to the proposed co-branding arrangement. This information includes any existing agreements the franchisee has with the other brand, proposed agreements for operating the other concept alongside the Marble Slab Creamery restaurant, and any proposed modifications to existing agreements.
Crucially, before a Marble Slab Creamery franchisee can enter into any agreements related to the co-brand location, they must receive written approval from Marble Slab Creamery for both the proposed co-brand and the proposed agreements. Marble Slab Creamery retains the right to withhold this approval for any reason, at its sole discretion. This provision underscores the franchisor's control over brand standards and the importance of ensuring that any co-branding arrangement aligns with Marble Slab Creamery's strategic objectives.
Marble Slab Creamery may also require that the co-brand partner be one of its affiliates, further limiting the franchisee's options. The Franchise Disclosure Document emphasizes that the terms governing the operation of any co-brand restaurant are included in the Franchise Agreement. This highlights the importance of carefully reviewing the Franchise Agreement to understand the specific obligations and restrictions related to co-branding. Prospective franchisees should be aware of these requirements and the potential limitations they impose on co-branding opportunities.