For a Bambu franchise purchased in Washington, where will arbitration or mediation take place?
Bambu Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
In any arbitration or mediation involving a franchise purchased in Washington, the arbitration or mediation site will be either in the state of Washington, or in a place mutually agreed upon at the time of the arbitration or mediation, or as determined by the arbitrator or mediator at the time of arbitration or mediation. In addition, if litigation is not precluded by the franchise agreement, a franchisee may bring an action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with the sale of franchises, or a violation of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, in Washington.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 52–209)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bambu's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, for a franchise purchased in Washington, the arbitration or mediation site will be in the state of Washington. However, the location can also be a place mutually agreed upon at the time of the arbitration or mediation. The arbitrator or mediator can also determine the location at the time of arbitration or mediation.
Additionally, if the franchise agreement does not preclude litigation, a franchisee can bring an action or proceeding in Washington. This action must arise out of or be in connection with the sale of franchises, or a violation of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act.
This means that franchisees in Washington have some protection regarding where disputes are resolved, ensuring they are not forced to travel to a distant or inconvenient location. This is a beneficial provision for franchisees as it can reduce the costs and burdens associated with resolving disputes.