Does the Angry Chickz Franchise Agreement allow for a waiver of a jury trial in Washington?

According to the 2025 Angry Chickz Franchise Disclosure Document, provisions within the franchise agreement that unreasonably restrict or limit the statute of limitations period for claims under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, or rights or remedies under the Act such as a right to a jury trial, may not be enforceable. This means that while the agreement might contain language suggesting a waiver, its enforceability is questionable under Washington law.

This protection is further reinforced by the addendum to the Angry Chickz Franchise Agreement for the state of Washington. Specifically, no statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgment signed by a franchisee at the start of the franchise relationship can waive claims under any applicable state franchise law, including fraud in the inducement, or disclaim reliance on statements made by Angry Chickz or its representatives. This addendum explicitly supersedes any conflicting terms in other documents related to the franchise.

In practical terms, an Angry Chickz franchisee in Washington should understand that any clause suggesting they waive their right to a jury trial might not hold up in court. The state's franchise laws are designed to protect franchisees, and these provisions aim to prevent franchisors from using the franchise agreement to limit franchisees' legal rights and remedies. It is important for prospective franchisees to consult with an attorney to fully understand their rights under Washington law and to evaluate the enforceability of specific clauses in the franchise agreement.