According to the 2025 Bens Soft Pretzels Franchise Disclosure Document, the mediation or arbitration location will be agreeable to all parties in North Dakota. Specifically, the North Dakota Addendum to the Franchise Disclosure Document states that any provision requiring franchisees to consent to the jurisdiction of courts outside North Dakota or to consent to the application of laws of a state other than North Dakota is void. The laws of the State of North Dakota will govern any dispute.

This means that for franchisees operating in North Dakota, any required mediation or arbitration must occur at a location that is mutually acceptable to both Bens Soft Pretzels and the franchisee. This addendum ensures that North Dakota franchisees are not forced to travel out of state for dispute resolution or be subject to laws that are not those of North Dakota.

It is important to note that this protection is specifically for franchisees in North Dakota, as indicated by the North Dakota Addendum. Franchisees in other states may be subject to different terms regarding dispute resolution, including mandatory arbitration or mediation locations and governing laws as specified in the standard franchise agreement.