Can an Angry Chickz franchisee in Minnesota waive their right to a jury trial?
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.
The franchisee cannot consent to the Franchisor obtaining injunctive relief. The Franchisor may seek injunctive relief. See Minnesota Rule 2860.4400(J). Also, a court will determine if a bond is required.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 54–260)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Angry Chickz Franchise Disclosure Document, if you are opening a franchise in Minnesota, you cannot be required to waive your right to a jury trial. The FDD includes an addendum specific to Minnesota, which states that Minnesota Statute 80C.21 and Minnesota Rule 2860.4400(J) prohibit Angry Chickz from requiring franchisees to waive a jury trial. This protects franchisees by ensuring they have the right to a trial by jury in legal disputes.
This addendum also clarifies that nothing in the Franchise Disclosure Document or any agreements can reduce any of the franchisee's rights as provided for in Minnesota Statute 80C or the franchisee's rights to any procedure, forum, or remedies provided by the laws of the jurisdiction. This means that the franchisee's rights under Minnesota law are fully protected and cannot be diminished by the franchise agreement.
Furthermore, the franchisee cannot consent to Angry Chickz obtaining injunctive relief, although Angry Chickz may seek injunctive relief. A court will determine if a bond is required. This provision ensures that the franchisee's rights are protected in cases where Angry Chickz seeks an injunction.