According to the Beauty Bungalows general release, what is the role of the 'Owner'?
Beauty_Bungalows Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| This GENERAL RELEASE ("Release") is made this day of,, by [Name of franchisee] ("Franchisee"), [and [Name of owner(s), ("Owner(s)"], with reference to the following facts: | ||
|---|---|---|
| The undersigned Franchisee is a signatory to that certain Franchise Agreement dated, | ||
| ("Franchise Agreement") by and between Beauty Bungalows Franchising, LLC ("Franchisor") and | ||
| Franchisee granting Franchisee the right to use the Franchisor's System and trademarks to operate the | ||
| Franchised Business at a specific location. | ||
| [The undersigned Owner is an owner of the Franchisee.] |
NOW, THEREFORE, FOR GOOD AND VALUABLE CONSIDERATION, THE RECEIPT OF WHICH IS ACKNOWLEDGED, FRANCHISEE [AND OWNER EACH] AGREES AS FOLLOWS:
- General Release. Franchisee [and Owner each] hereby releases and forever discharges Franchisor and its members, managers, officers, directors, owners, principals, managers, employees, affiliates, successors and assigns (collectively the "Released Parties"), from any and all claims, demands, obligations, liabilities, actions, causes of action, suits, proceedings, controversies, disputes, agreements, promises, allegations, costs and expenses, at law or in equity, of every nature, character or description whatsoever, whether known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected or anticipated or unanticipated, which Franchisee [or Owner] ever had, now has, or may, shall or can hereafter have or acquire (collectively referred to as "Claims"). This Release includes, but is not limited to, all Claims arising out of, concerning, pertaining to or connected with the Franchise Agreement, any other agreement, tort, statutory violation, representation, nondisclosure, act, omission to act, fact, matter or thing whatsoever, occurring as of or prior to the date of this Release, so that after the date of this Release, [neither] Franchisee [nor Owner] shall have any Claim of any kind or nature whatsoever against the Released Parties, directly or indirectly, or by reason of any matter, cause, action, transaction or thing whatsoever done, said or omitted to have been done or said at any time prior to the date of this Release.
This does not apply with respect to claims arising under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, RCW 19.100, and the rules adopted thereunder.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 48–177)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Beauty Bungalows' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the 'Owner' in the context of the general release is defined as an owner of the franchisee. This is particularly relevant when the franchisee is a legal entity such as a corporation, limited liability company, or partnership. In such cases, the owners of the entity are also subject to the terms of the general release.
The general release stipulates that both the franchisee and the owner each release and discharge Beauty Bungalows from any claims, demands, or liabilities related to the franchise agreement. This means that the owner, alongside the franchisee, waives their rights to pursue any legal action against Beauty Bungalows related to the franchise. This waiver covers all claims, whether known or unknown, that the owner may have against Beauty Bungalows.
Furthermore, the inclusion of the owner in the general release ensures that Beauty Bungalows is protected from potential legal challenges not only from the franchisee entity but also from the individuals who own and control that entity. This is a common practice in franchising to provide comprehensive protection to the franchisor. However, the release does not apply to claims arising under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act.