According to the 2025 FDD, the North Dakota Addendum to the Franchise Disclosure Document states that any mediation or arbitration will be held at a site agreeable to all parties. For franchisees operating in North Dakota, this addendum modifies the standard franchise agreement to ensure compliance with North Dakota law. This means that Ben's Soft Pretzels cannot force a North Dakota franchisee to arbitrate or mediate disputes outside of North Dakota unless the franchisee agrees to it.

This provision protects franchisees in North Dakota from potentially unfair or burdensome legal proceedings. Without this addendum, Ben's Soft Pretzels could require franchisees to travel to Indiana (where the company is headquartered) or another location for dispute resolution, which could significantly increase the franchisee's costs and inconvenience. The North Dakota Franchise Investment Law aims to level the playing field and ensure that franchisees are not subjected to undue hardship.

Prospective franchisees outside of North Dakota should be aware that the standard Ben's Soft Pretzels franchise agreement might contain provisions requiring arbitration or mediation to take place in a specific location, potentially Indiana. It is essential to carefully review the franchise agreement and any state-specific addenda to understand the dispute resolution process and any associated costs or travel requirements. Franchisees should consult with a legal professional to fully understand their rights and obligations under the franchise agreement.