In Minnesota, can Bb.Q Chicken require a franchisee to assent to a general release?

According to Bb.Q Chicken's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchise is governed by Minnesota law, Bb.Q Chicken is prohibited from requiring a franchisee to assent to a general release. This amendment is specifically applied to Item 17 of the Disclosure Document, the Franchise Agreement, and the Multi-Unit Operator Agreement. This means that Bb.Q Chicken franchisees in Minnesota will not be forced to sign a document releasing the company from potential liabilities as a condition of their franchise agreement.

This protection is due to Minn. Rule 2860.4400D, which explicitly prohibits franchisors from mandating such releases. This rule ensures that franchisees retain their legal rights and recourse against Bb.Q Chicken, should any issues arise during the franchise term. The FDD also states that nothing in the Franchise Disclosure Document or agreements can abrogate or reduce any of the franchisee's rights as provided for in Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 80C, or franchisee's rights to any procedure, forum, or remedies provided for by the laws of the jurisdiction.

For a prospective Bb.Q Chicken franchisee in Minnesota, this is a significant benefit. It means they cannot be compelled to waive their rights to sue or make claims against the franchisor. This protection can be crucial in the event of disputes, misrepresentations, or other legal issues that may arise during the course of the franchise agreement. This also aligns with other protections afforded to Minnesota franchisees, such as the right to a 90-day notice of termination (with 60 days to cure) and 180 days' notice for non-renewal, as well as prohibitions against requiring litigation outside of Minnesota or waiving a jury trial.