In Minnesota, can Bb.Q Chicken require a franchisee to waive a jury trial?
Bb_Q_Chicken Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- Item 17 of the Disclosure Document and the Franchise Agreement and Multi-Unit Operator Agreement are amended by the addition of the following language to the original language that appears therein:
"Minn. Stat. Sec. 80C.21 and Rule 2860.4400(J) prohibit the franchisor from requiring litigation to be conducted outside Minnesota, requiring waiver of a jury trial, or requiring the franchisee to consent to liquidated damages, termination penalties or judgment notes. In addition, 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."
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 62–283)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bb.Q Chicken's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Minnesota law prohibits Bb.Q Chicken from requiring franchisees to waive their right to a jury trial.
Specifically, the FDD states that Minn. Stat. Sec. 80C.21 and Rule 2860.4400(J) explicitly prohibit Bb.Q Chicken from including terms in their agreements that force litigation to occur outside of Minnesota or that require a franchisee to waive a jury trial. This ensures that Minnesota franchisees have the right to a jury trial within their own state.
This protection is further reinforced by the statement that nothing in the Franchise Disclosure Document or agreements can reduce any franchisee's rights as provided by Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 80C, or their rights to any procedure, forum, or remedies provided by the laws of the jurisdiction. This means Bb.Q Chicken franchisees in Minnesota retain all rights and legal avenues available to them under Minnesota law, regardless of what the standard franchise agreement might otherwise stipulate.