Besides Hawaii, what other states have effective registrations or exemptions for Annex Brands franchises?

According to Annex Brands' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, several states other than Hawaii have effective registrations or exemptions. As of January 1, 2025, California had an exemption. Indiana and New York both had exemptions effective January 29, 2025. Michigan's registration was effective as of January 19, 2025. The FDD notes that Maryland has a separate FDD. The effective dates for Illinois and North Dakota are listed as 'Exempt' but have blank dates. Minnesota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, and Washington also have blank effective dates listed in the table.

For a prospective Annex Brands franchisee, this information is crucial because it indicates where the franchisor is authorized to offer and sell franchises. The 'effective date' signifies when Annex Brands met the legal requirements to begin franchising in that particular state. The states listed have franchise laws that require the Franchise Disclosure Document to be registered or filed with the state, or be exempt from registration.

The blank dates for some states could mean that the registration or exemption was pending, had not yet been determined, or that the information was simply not available at the time the FDD was issued. It is important to note that the absence of an effective date does not necessarily mean that Annex Brands cannot franchise in those states, but rather that the specific status was not clearly defined in this document.

Prospective franchisees should verify the current registration status with Annex Brands directly or by checking with the relevant state authorities before making any investment decisions. Understanding the specific requirements and regulations in each state is essential for both the franchisor and the franchisee to ensure compliance and avoid potential legal issues.