What effect is prohibited for any statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgement signed by an Angry Chickz franchisee regarding claims under state franchise law?

According to the 2025 Angry Chickz Franchise Disclosure Document, several states (California, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Virginia) include addenda specifying that no statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgement signed by a franchisee in connection with starting their franchise can waive claims under state franchise law. This includes claims related to fraud in the inducement. Additionally, these documents cannot disclaim reliance on statements made by Angry Chickz, its franchise sellers, or anyone acting on the company's behalf. This provision overrides any conflicting terms in any document related to the franchise agreement.

For a prospective Angry Chickz franchisee, this means that even if they sign a document that appears to waive their rights or disclaim reliance on the franchisor's statements, those waivers may not be enforceable under the franchise laws of these states. This protection is particularly important in cases where a franchisee believes they were misled or defrauded during the franchise sales process. The franchisee retains the right to pursue legal claims, regardless of any seemingly contradictory statements they may have signed.

This type of provision is not uncommon in franchise agreements, as many states have franchise laws designed to protect franchisees from overreaching by franchisors. These laws aim to ensure a fair balance of power between the parties and prevent franchisees from unknowingly giving up important legal rights. Franchisees should always carefully review all documents before signing and consult with an attorney to fully understand their rights and obligations under the franchise agreement and applicable state laws.