The 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document for Ben's Soft Pretzels includes an addendum specific to North Dakota franchisees. According to this addendum, any mediation or arbitration related to a dispute will be held at a location that is agreeable to all parties involved. This stipulation overrides any clause within the standard franchise agreement that might require franchisees to consent to the jurisdiction of courts outside of North Dakota or to adhere to laws of a state other than North Dakota.

For prospective Ben's Soft Pretzels franchisees in North Dakota, this means they have the right to negotiate a mutually convenient location for any mediation or arbitration proceedings. This provision aims to protect franchisees from potentially burdensome or unfair legal proceedings in distant locations.

It is important to note that this protection applies specifically to franchisees operating in North Dakota, as it is governed by the North Dakota Franchise Investment Law. Franchisees in other states may be subject to different requirements regarding dispute resolution and jurisdiction.