Does Marble Slab Creamery retain the right to operate stores under names other than Marble Slab Creamery?
Marble_Slab_Creamery Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
n acceptable site within the non-exclusive Site Selection Area that we specify.
We and our affiliates (including through our franchisees) retain all rights with respect to Restaurants, the Marks, the sale of similar or dissimilar products and services, and any other activities we deem appropriate whenever and wherever we desire, including the rights to own or operate:
(i) stores under the name "MARBLE SLAB CREAMERY®" and under any other trademarks, trade names, service marks, logotypes, insignias, trade dress and designs at any location,
(ii) stores and other facilities under the name "MARBLE SLAB CREAMERY®" and under any other trademarks, trade names, service marks, logotypes,
insignias, trade dress and designs at Non-Traditional Venues at any location, and of any type whatsoever, and regardless of proximity to your Restaurant;
(iii) facilities offering catering services and mobile units designed to service special events at any location regardless of proximity to your Restaurant;
Source: Item 12 — TERRITORY (FDD pages 62–68)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Marble Slab Creamery's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Marble Slab Creamery and its affiliates retain the right to operate stores and other systems under names other than "MARBLE SLAB CREAMERY®". These other names include, but are not limited to, "Fatburger®," "Buffalo's Cafe," "PONDEROSA STEAKHOUSE®," "BONANZA STEAKHOUSE®," Hurricane Grill & Wings®," "Hurricane Sports Grill®," "Hurricane Dockside Grill ®," "Hurricane BTW Burgers + Tacos + Wings," "Yalla Mediterranean®", "Elevation Burger," "Johnny Rockets," "Round Table Pizza," "Hot Dog On A Stick," "Pretzelmaker," "Great American Cookies," "Fazoli's," "Twin Peaks" and "Native Grill & Wings" stores. These stores can be at any location and of any type, regardless of their proximity to a franchisee's Marble Slab Creamery restaurant.
This means that a prospective Marble Slab Creamery franchisee could potentially face competition from other food service businesses owned or operated by Marble Slab Creamery's affiliates, even if those businesses operate under different brand names. This is a common practice in franchising, as many franchisors have multiple brands in their portfolio.
Marble Slab Creamery states that they do not anticipate conflicts between outlets that their affiliates operate or franchise because each offer a distinct experience and differing menus. However, if conflicts do arise, Marble Slab Creamery and its affiliates will resolve them as they deem appropriate. This leaves the resolution of any potential conflicts at the discretion of the franchisor and its affiliates, which may or may not favor the franchisee. A prospective franchisee should consider the potential for competition from affiliated brands when evaluating the Marble Slab Creamery franchise opportunity.