When was the Assurance of Voluntary Compliance signed regarding Aunt Millies Bakeries in Illinois?
Aunt_Millies_Bakeries Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
luded that grounds existed to allege that between January 2019 to October 2020, the
Franchisor sold four new franchises and entered into new franchise agreements with Illinois residents during such period, without being registered, in violation of the Act. Without the Franchisor admitting or denying any violation of laws, the Attorney General and the Franchisor reached an agreement to enter into an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance, in which the Franchisor agreed to: (1) refrain from offering and selling franchises in Illinois without being properly registered; (2) offer the affected franchisees with rescission of their franchise agreements (Distribution Agreements); and (3) pay the State of Illinois the sum of $4,000. This matter was settle
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 43)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Aunt Millies Bakeries's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance was signed on December 21, 2020, with the Illinois Attorney General. This agreement resolved issues stemming from Aunt Millies Bakeries selling franchises to Illinois residents without proper registration.
The Assurance of Voluntary Compliance required Aunt Millies Bakeries to take several corrective actions. First, they had to cease offering and selling franchises in Illinois until they completed the registration process. Second, Aunt Millies Bakeries was obligated to offer rescission of their franchise agreements, referred to as Distribution Agreements, to the franchisees affected by the registration lapse. Finally, Aunt Millies Bakeries was required to pay $4,000 to the State of Illinois as part of the settlement.
This agreement indicates that Aunt Millies Bakeries had a period of non-compliance with Illinois franchise laws. Prospective franchisees should carefully consider the implications of this past non-compliance and ensure that Aunt Millies Bakeries is currently in full compliance with all applicable regulations before investing in a franchise.