For Apricot Lane, is the State Administrator and Agent for Service of Process the same entity in Virginia?

According to Apricot Lane's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the State Administrator and the Agent for Service of Process are different entities in Virginia. The State Administrator is the Director, Securities and Retail Franchising Division, State Corporation Commission, located at 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, with the phone number (804) 371-9051. The Agent for Service of Process is the Clerk, State Corporation Commission, also located at 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, but with the phone number (804) 371-9733.

This distinction is important for an Apricot Lane franchisee in Virginia because it clarifies who to contact for different legal and regulatory matters. The State Administrator is responsible for overseeing franchise operations within the state, ensuring compliance with franchise laws. The Agent for Service of Process is the designated recipient of legal notices and lawsuits on behalf of the franchisor.

Knowing the correct contact for each role ensures that legal and regulatory communications are directed to the appropriate authority, which is crucial for compliance and avoiding potential legal issues. The different phone numbers for each entity further emphasize the importance of directing inquiries to the correct office.