Can a Bambu franchisee waive compliance with the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act?

According to Bambu's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, specifically the Illinois Rider to the Franchise Agreement, any attempt to waive compliance with the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act is void. This means that any clause or agreement that tries to force a franchisee to give up their rights under this Act is not enforceable. This protection is in place to ensure that franchisees in Illinois retain all the rights and protections afforded to them by Illinois law.

This provision is highly relevant for prospective Bambu franchisees in Illinois. It ensures that franchisees cannot be compelled to unknowingly or unwillingly surrender their legal rights under the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act. This includes rights related to disclosures, termination, and non-renewal as outlined in Sections 19 and 20 of the Act.

Furthermore, the Illinois Rider also addresses specific issues such as jurisdiction and venue, stating that any provision designating these outside of Illinois is void, although arbitration may occur outside of the state. Additionally, the rider stipulates that no statement or acknowledgment can waive claims under state franchise law, including fraud in the inducement, or disclaim reliance on statements made by Bambu. This offers significant protection to franchisees against potentially overreaching terms in the franchise agreement.