What effect does a statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgement signed by an Angry Chickz franchisee in Maryland NOT have?
Angry_Chickz Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
No statement, questionnaire or acknowledgement signed or agreed to by a franchisee in connection with the commencement of the franchise relationship shall have the effect of (i) waiving any claims under any applicable state franchise law, including fraud in the inducement, or (ii) disclaiming reliance on any statement made by any franchisor, franchise seller, or other person acting on behalf of the franchisor. This provision supersedes any other term of any document executed in connection with the franchise.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 54–260)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Angry Chickz's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgement signed by a franchisee in Maryland at the start of their franchise relationship will not waive claims under Maryland franchise law. This includes claims related to fraud in the inducement. It also cannot disclaim reliance on statements made by Angry Chickz, its franchise sellers, or anyone acting on the company's behalf. This specific provision takes precedence over any other conflicting terms in any document associated with the franchise agreement.
In practical terms, this means that even if an Angry Chickz franchisee in Maryland signs a document that appears to waive their rights or acknowledge they are not relying on the franchisor's statements, those waivers or acknowledgements are not legally binding under Maryland's franchise laws. This protects franchisees from inadvertently giving up their legal rights during the initial stages of the franchise relationship.
This type of provision is designed to protect franchisees, especially since franchise agreements often heavily favor the franchisor. Maryland law aims to ensure that franchisees are not pressured into relinquishing their rights due to unequal bargaining power or lack of full information. Prospective Angry Chickz franchisees in Maryland should still carefully review all documents and seek legal advice, but they can be assured that certain protections are in place under state law.