Are Marble Slab Creamery franchisees currently required to participate in advertising cooperatives?

According to the 2025 Marble Slab Creamery Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are not currently required to join or participate in local, regional, or other advertising cooperatives. Marble Slab Creamery also does not mandate participation in any organizations or associations related to advertising or marketing cooperatives.

Marble Slab Creamery does maintain a franchise advisory council comprised of franchisees and members of the management team. This council serves in an advisory capacity, consulting on marketing decisions related to the national advertising fund. However, Marble Slab Creamery retains the final authority to approve or disapprove all marketing expenditures and initiatives. The franchisor also reserves the right to change or dissolve this advisory council at any time.

While franchisees are not required to participate in advertising cooperatives, they are required to contribute to a national advertising fund. Franchisees must contribute 2% of total net sales weekly to this fund, which is used to enhance the Marble Slab Creamery brand image through various advertising activities. Additionally, franchisees are obligated to spend another 2% of total net sales on local advertising, adhering to specific guidelines provided by Marble Slab Creamery. This local advertising spending must be reported to the franchisor, along with proof of expenditures.