Under what authority are disputes with Bens Soft Pretzels submitted to binding arbitration?
Bens_Soft_Pretzels Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
NORTH DAKOTA ADDENDUM TO FRANCHISE DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT
Item 17, Additional Disclosures. The following statements are added to Item 17:
Pursuant to the North Dakota Franchise Investment Law, 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. Any mediation or arbitration will be held at a site agreeable to all parties. The laws of the State of North Dakota will govern any dispute.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 46–47)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Bens Soft Pretzels Franchise Disclosure Document, the North Dakota Addendum addresses dispute resolution for franchisees in North Dakota. Specifically, it 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 under the North Dakota Franchise Investment Law.
Furthermore, the addendum specifies that any mediation or arbitration will be held at a site agreeable to all parties involved. The laws of the State of North Dakota will govern any dispute, ensuring that North Dakota franchisees are not subjected to potentially unfavorable legal environments outside of their state.
This addendum provides significant protection for Bens Soft Pretzels franchisees in North Dakota, ensuring that their legal rights are upheld within the state's jurisdiction and under its laws. Prospective franchisees in North Dakota should carefully review this addendum to understand their rights and how disputes will be resolved.