When Keith Bussey opened his Nothing Bundt Cakes bakery in Northern California back in 2019, he was thrilled to join a growing franchise. One of the perks? The option to close on Sundays, giving him and his team a much-needed break. But that all changed recently when the company announced a new rule: all locations must now stay open for at least five hours every Sunday, starting February 2. For Bussey, this was the last straw. He’s now putting his bakery up for sale, saying the mandate doesn’t align with his lifestyle or values. “When we signed up, it felt like a community,” he shared. “Now, it feels like we’re just numbers.” He’s not alone. Franchise owners from Iowa to Florida are voicing their frustration, many of whom chose the brand specifically because of its flexible Sunday policy. Some even emptied their savings to open their bakeries, only to feel blindsided by the sudden change. In Utah, where many residents observe the Sabbath on Sundays, the backlash has been particularly intense. A new state bill aims to protect franchisees from being forced to operate on Sundays, citing religious freedom. But legal experts say it might be an uphill battle, as the issue ultimately boils down to contract disputes. Nothing Bundt Cakes, which started in 1997, has grown to over 650 locations nationwide. The company says the new rule is about meeting customer demand and staying consistent with franchise agreements. They’ve also offered exceptions for stores open longer than six months, but many owners, like Bussey, say their requests have gone unanswered. For some franchisees, the mandate has forced tough choices. One owner, who asked to remain anonymous, said he and his wife are now working Sundays themselves to avoid losing their life savings. “We invested in this business to spend more time with our kids,” he said. “Now, we’re back to sacrificing that time.” As the debate continues, franchise owners are left wondering if their voices will ever be heard. “It feels like the company is just chasing profits,” Bussey added. “But at what cost?”