If I am an Illinois resident, where must I bring claims against Best Brains?
Best_Brains Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
However, if you are an Illinois resident or your franchise territory is located in Illinois, you agree to bring any Claims, if at all, solely in arbitration before the American Arbitration Association in the city or county where our corporate headquarters are located.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 42–190)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Best Brains' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if you are an Illinois resident, you must bring any claims against Best Brains solely in arbitration before the American Arbitration Association. This arbitration must take place in the city or county where Best Brains' corporate headquarters are located. Currently, their corporate headquarters are in Cook County, Illinois.
This means that as an Illinois resident, you cannot sue Best Brains in court; instead, you must resolve disputes through arbitration. Arbitration typically involves a neutral third party who hears both sides of the argument and makes a decision. The location of the arbitration is fixed to where Best Brains has its headquarters.
This requirement to arbitrate in Illinois could be seen as advantageous to Best Brains, as it centralizes legal proceedings in their home location. Prospective franchisees should consider the potential costs and inconveniences of arbitrating in Cook County, Illinois, when evaluating this franchise opportunity. Franchisees should consult with a legal professional to fully understand the implications of this clause.