When is the scheduled arbitration hearing for the case between Siew May Seow and Annex Brands?
Annex_Brands Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Siew May Seow v. Annex Brands, Inc., Case Number 2023-00027996-CU-FR-CTL , San Diego Superior Court. On June 30, 2023, our franchisee, Siew May Seow ("Plaintiff"), filed an action in San Diego Superior Court naming us as Defendant, and alleging claims for breach of contract, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, false promise, and restitution. We received notice of the action on July 6, 2023. On July 27, 2023, Plaintiff filed an amended complaint to add a claim for conversion based on the same facts alleged in the original
complaint. In January 2023, Plaintiff had signed a franchise agreement granting her the right and obligation to open and operate a Postal Annex+ Center, and paid us an initial franchise fee of $29,950. Plaintiff asserts that she was unable to secure financing, and seeks a refund of the initial franchise fee, punitive damages, attorney fees and costs, and prejudgment interest. We filed a motion to compel arbitration, since the franchise agreement contains an arbitration provision. On April 5, 2024, the Court granted our motion and stayed Plaintiff's action. On May 29, 2024, Plaintiff filed a Demand for Arbitration (AAA, San Diego, California, Case No. 01-24-0005-7170). As of the date of this disclosure document, an arbitration hearing was scheduled to occur on March 19, 2025. We deny that Plaintiff is entitled to any relief, and we intend to defend against Plaintiffs' claims on their merits.
Source: Item 3 — Litigation (FDD pages 16–17)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Annex Brands' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, an arbitration hearing regarding the case between Siew May Seow and Annex Brands was scheduled for March 19, 2025. This case originated in the San Diego Superior Court on June 30, 2023, with Siew May Seow, an Annex Brands franchisee, filing an action against Annex Brands, alleging breach of contract, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, false promise, and restitution. The company received notice of this action on July 6, 2023.
The dispute arose after Siew May Seow signed a franchise agreement in January 2023 to open and operate a Postal Annex+ Center, paying an initial franchise fee of $29,950. However, she was unable to secure financing and sought a refund of the initial franchise fee, along with punitive damages, attorney fees and costs, and prejudgment interest. Annex Brands responded by filing a motion to compel arbitration, citing the arbitration provision within the franchise agreement. The court granted this motion on April 5, 2024, and stayed the plaintiff's action.
Subsequently, on May 29, 2024, Siew May Seow filed a Demand for Arbitration with the American Arbitration Association (AAA) in San Diego, California (Case No. 01-24-0005-7170). As of the date of the 2025 disclosure document, the arbitration hearing was scheduled for March 19, 2025. Annex Brands denies that Siew May Seow is entitled to any relief and states its intention to defend against the claims on their merits.