From what I gather, I do not think the Cuppy's investors in question signed a franchise agreement so there is no protection of the AAFD accredited franchise agreement. As you point out, depositors speak of signing Elite's purchase order, not a franchise agreement, then they sent Elite Manufacturing tens of thousands to begin the process of finding real estate, purchasing equipment, etc.

Get this: There was a depositor that didn't even sign Elite's purchase order. They just sent a deposit with no conditions attached. I'm not a lawyer but I don't think there is much legal protection for so charitably giving money away and then saying you want it back.

If depositors signed the franchise agreement before they deposited funds, then naturally the AAFD and its agreement would kick in.

Anyone out there who has signed the AAFD accredited Cuppy's agreement that has not gotten their money back? Names please.