Does the Belocal agreement allow for service of process by any means allowed by Texas or Federal law?

According to Belocal's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the agreement specifies how service of process may be conducted. The agreement states that in any legal proceeding relating to or arising from the franchise agreement or the relationship it creates, the franchisee (referred to as "Covenantor") agrees that service of process can be made upon them through any means permitted by Texas or Federal law. This means Belocal franchisees consent to receive legal notices and documents through methods legally recognized in these jurisdictions.

This provision simplifies the process for Belocal to initiate legal action against a franchisee, as it does not restrict the methods of serving legal documents. It also means a franchisee cannot argue they were improperly served if Belocal uses a method that is legally recognized under Texas or Federal law.

For a prospective Belocal franchisee, this clause emphasizes the importance of understanding Texas and Federal laws regarding service of process. While it offers convenience for Belocal in legal proceedings, it places the onus on the franchisee to be aware of all legally acceptable methods of service to ensure they do not miss any legal notifications. Franchisees should consult with legal counsel to fully understand their obligations and rights under this provision.