Where will arbitration or mediation take place for a Bens Soft Pretzels franchise purchased in Washington?
Bens_Soft_Pretzels Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
This Agreement does not waive any liability the franchisor may have under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, RCW 19.100, and the rules adopted thereunder.
EXHIBIT G
STATE ADDENDA
RIDER TO STATE ADDENDUM TO BEN'S SOFT PRETZELS ®
FRANCHISE DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT AND FRANCHISE AGREEMENT
FOR THE FOLLOWING STATES ONLY: CALIFORNIA, HAWAII, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA, VIRGINIA, WASHINGTON, WISCONSIN
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 46–47)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
The 2025 Bens Soft Pretzels Franchise Disclosure Document does not specify where arbitration or mediation would take place for a franchise purchased in Washington. While there is a Washington addendum, it does not address the location of arbitration or mediation proceedings. The addendum primarily focuses on waivers of liability under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act.
In the absence of specific information in the FDD, it is important for a prospective franchisee to directly ask Bens Soft Pretzels about the location of arbitration or mediation. Franchise agreements often include clauses specifying the venue for dispute resolution, and this can have significant implications for franchisees, potentially requiring them to travel to a different state to resolve disputes.
Prospective franchisees should clarify this point to understand their rights and obligations fully. It is also advisable to seek legal counsel to review the franchise agreement and any related addenda to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the dispute resolution process and its implications.