Does the All County franchise agreement prohibit a franchisee from joining an association of franchisees?

According to the 2025 All County Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchise agreement cannot include a provision that prohibits a franchisee from joining an association of franchisees. Specifically, the FDD states that any such provision is considered void and unenforceable. This protection ensures that All County franchisees have the right to associate with one another to discuss and address common issues or concerns related to their franchises.

This clause is included in the FDD to comply with franchise laws, particularly in states like Illinois, which have specific statutes protecting franchisees' rights. By explicitly stating that a prohibition on joining a franchisee association is void, All County assures potential franchisees that their rights to organize and collectively address issues are protected under the franchise agreement.

This type of protection is relatively common in franchising, as many jurisdictions recognize the importance of allowing franchisees to communicate and organize without fear of franchisor interference. Prospective All County franchisees should view this as a positive aspect of the franchise agreement, as it promotes transparency and collaboration within the franchise system.