Is Angry Chickz allowed to require a franchisee in Minnesota to litigate disputes outside of Minnesota?
Angry_Chickz Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Minnesota Statute 80C.21 and Minnesota Rule 2860.4400(J) prohibit the Franchisor from requiring litigation to be conducted outside Minnesota, requiring waiver of a jury trial, or requiring the franchisee to consent to liquidated damages, termination penalties or judgment notes. In addition, nothing in the Franchise Disclosure Document or agreement(s) can abrogate or reduce (1) any of the franchisee's rights as provided for in Minnesota Statute 80C or (2) franchisee's rights to any procedure, forum, or remedies provided for by the laws of the jurisdiction.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 54–260)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Angry Chickz Franchise Disclosure Document, Minnesota Statute 80C.21 and Minnesota Rule 2860.4400(J) explicitly prohibit Angry Chickz from requiring franchisees in Minnesota to conduct litigation outside of the state. This addendum ensures that Minnesota franchisees are not forced to bear the burden and expense of traveling to another state to resolve legal disputes with the company.
This protection extends beyond just the location of litigation. The statute and rule also prevent Angry Chickz from requiring Minnesota franchisees to waive their right to a jury trial or consent to liquidated damages, termination penalties, or judgment notes. Furthermore, the franchise agreement cannot reduce any rights provided to the franchisee under Minnesota Statute 80C or their rights to any procedure, forum, or remedies provided by Minnesota law.
Additionally, Minnesota Rule 2860.4400D prohibits Angry Chickz from requiring a franchisee to agree to a release, assignment, novation, or waiver that would relieve any person from liability imposed by Minnesota Statute §§ 80C.01 - 80C.22. This ensures that franchisees cannot be compelled to give up their legal protections under Minnesota franchise law. These stipulations collectively create a more balanced legal environment for Angry Chickz franchisees operating in Minnesota.