Where must all disputes related to the Beggars Pizza franchise be litigated?

According to Beggars Pizza's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, all disputes related to the franchise must be litigated in specific courts. The FDD states that any litigation must occur in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois or a state court in Cook County, Illinois. This means a franchisee would be required to pursue any legal claims against Beggars Pizza, or defend themselves against claims by Beggars Pizza, in these specific Illinois courts, regardless of where the franchisee's restaurant is located.

This requirement could create significant cost and logistical challenges for franchisees who do not live near Cook County, Illinois. They would need to hire local counsel, travel to Illinois for hearings and trials, and potentially face a court system unfamiliar to them. These factors could make it more difficult and expensive for a franchisee to pursue a legal claim against Beggars Pizza, or to defend themselves effectively.

Choice of forum clauses are common in franchise agreements, as they provide the franchisor with predictability and consistency in legal proceedings. However, franchisees should carefully consider the implications of such clauses, as they can create a significant power imbalance in favor of the franchisor. It is advisable for prospective franchisees to consult with an attorney to fully understand the legal and financial implications of the forum selection clause in the Beggars Pizza franchise agreement.