Does Benjamin Franklin Plumbing have the right to change the location of the arbitration seat?

According to Benjamin Franklin Plumbing's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the brand has the right to change the designated headquarters, which impacts the arbitration seat. The document states that Benjamin Franklin Plumbing can designate a headquarters other than Columbia, Maryland, and substitute that location for Columbia, Maryland concerning the disputes section.

Specifically, the seat of arbitration will be the JAMS (Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services) office closest to Columbia, Maryland, and all arbitration hearings will take place at that office. However, this is subject to Benjamin Franklin Plumbing's right to designate a different headquarters. This means that if Benjamin Franklin Plumbing changes its headquarters, the location of the arbitration seat could also change to the JAMS office closest to the new headquarters location.

For a prospective franchisee, this clause means that the location where any potential arbitration would occur isn't necessarily fixed in Columbia, Maryland. It could shift depending on where Benjamin Franklin Plumbing decides to locate its headquarters. This is something to consider, as it could impact travel costs and convenience should a dispute arise that requires arbitration. Franchisees should confirm the current headquarters location and understand the potential implications of a change in headquarters during the franchise term.