What is the required format of the award rendered by the arbitrator in a Belocal franchise dispute?

According to Belocal's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, any dispute that cannot be resolved directly between the franchisee and Belocal, and after complying with mediation requirements, must be resolved by arbitration. The arbitrator selected must provide a reasoned award in writing. This means the arbitrator must explain the basis for their decision, rather than simply stating the outcome.

The written award rendered by the arbitrator is considered final, meaning it is binding and not easily subject to further appeal. Judgment on the award may be entered in any court that has jurisdiction, allowing the prevailing party to enforce the arbitration decision through the court system if necessary.

This requirement for a reasoned, written award provides transparency and clarity to both parties involved in the dispute. It also creates a record of the arbitrator's decision-making process, which can be valuable if there are subsequent legal challenges or enforcement proceedings. Franchise agreements commonly include arbitration clauses, but the specific requirement for a 'reasoned award in writing' ensures a higher level of accountability and justification from the arbitrator compared to a simple summary judgment.