Who is required to attend All County mediation sessions?
All_County Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
All mediation sessions will occur in Florida at a mutually agreed location and must be attended by your Principal Owners or Managing Owner (and any other persons with authority to settle the dispute on your behalf) and our representatives(s) who is/are authorized to settle the dispute.
The parties may be represented by counsel at the mediation.
The parties agree to participate in the mediation proceedings in good faith and with the intention of resolving the dispute if at all possible within thirty (30) days of the notice from the party seeking to initiate the mediation procedures.
If the dispute is not resolved within thirty (30) days, the parties are free to pursue arbitration.
In addition, if the party receiving notice of mediation has not responded within five (5) days of delivery of the notice or a party fails to participate in the mediation, this Article 25.12.1. will no longer be applicable and the other party can pursue arbitration.
The parties agree that the costs of the mediator will be split equally between the parties.
Each party must pay its own fees and expenses incurred in connection with the mediation.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 43–157)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to All County's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a dispute arises that requires mediation, certain individuals are mandated to attend. Specifically, the franchisee's Principal Owners or Managing Owner, along with anyone else authorized to settle the dispute on the franchisee's behalf, must be present. Similarly, All County's representatives who have the authority to settle the dispute must also attend the mediation sessions.
The mediation sessions are required to take place in Florida at a location agreed upon by both parties. While attendance is mandatory for the specified individuals, both parties have the option to be represented by legal counsel during the mediation process. This ensures that all parties have the opportunity to seek legal advice and representation as they navigate the mediation process.
The goal of the mediation is to resolve the dispute within thirty days from the initial notice. Both parties are expected to participate in good faith, with the intention of reaching a resolution. Failure to respond to the mediation notice within five days or failure to participate in the mediation can result in the other party pursuing arbitration instead. The costs associated with the mediator are to be split equally between All County and the franchisee, while each party is responsible for their own additional expenses incurred during the mediation.