Where will the seat of arbitration be for Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, according to the FDD?

According to the 2025 Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Franchise Disclosure Document, any mandatory arbitration will take place at the JAMS office closest to Columbia, Maryland. All arbitration hearings will occur at that location. However, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing retains the right to designate a different headquarters location other than Columbia, Maryland. If they do so, this new location will be substituted for Columbia, Maryland for the purposes of determining the arbitration seat.

This means that if a dispute arises between a franchisee and Benjamin Franklin Plumbing that requires arbitration, the franchisee may be required to travel to the JAMS office nearest to Columbia, Maryland (or the substituted headquarters location) for the hearings. This could involve significant travel expenses and time, depending on the franchisee's location.

It is important for prospective franchisees to understand this clause, as it determines the location where they may be required to resolve disputes with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. Franchisees should consider the potential costs and inconvenience associated with traveling to the designated arbitration location. They should also monitor whether Benjamin Franklin Plumbing designates a new headquarters, as this would change the arbitration location.