Who is included in the release given to All County upon site acceptance?
All_County Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 8.6. General Release. In consideration of our acceptance of a proposed site, you and your Owners agree to release us, and our affiliates, officers, directors, employees and agents from any and all loss, damages and liability arising from or in connection with the selection and/or acceptance of such site for the development of an ALL COUNTY® business. Any general release required in the Franchise Agreement as a condition of renewal, sale, and/or assignment or transfer shall not apply to any liability under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 43–157)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to All County's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, when a proposed site is accepted, the franchisee and their owners agree to release All County, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, and agents from any loss, damages, and liability connected to the site selection and/or acceptance for the development of an All County business. This release is part of the consideration for All County's acceptance of the site.
This means that once All County approves a location, the franchisee gives up the right to sue All County or related parties for any issues that arise from the selection or acceptance of that site. This could include problems with the site's suitability, profitability, or any other factor related to the location.
However, the general release required in the Franchise Agreement as a condition of renewal, sale, and/or assignment or transfer does not apply to any liability under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law. This exception protects the franchisee's rights under Maryland franchise law, even with the general release in place for site acceptance.