Where will the arbitration or mediation site be located for an Annex Brands franchise purchased in Washington?

According to Annex Brands' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, for any arbitration or mediation involving a franchise purchased in Washington, the site will be located in one of three possible locations. First, the arbitration or mediation could take place within Washington state. Second, the location could be a place mutually agreed upon by both parties (Annex Brands and the franchisee) at the time of the arbitration or mediation. Finally, the arbitrator or mediator themselves could determine the location at the time of the proceedings.

This means that franchisees in Washington are not necessarily required to travel out of state for dispute resolution, which can save on travel costs and time. However, the final location is not guaranteed to be the franchisee's preferred location, as it could be determined by mutual agreement or by the arbitrator/mediator.

Additionally, the FDD states that if litigation is not precluded by the franchise agreement, a franchisee can bring an action or proceeding arising out of or related to the sale of the franchise, or a violation of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, in Washington. This provides an additional avenue for resolving disputes within the state's jurisdiction, offering further protection to franchisees operating in Washington.