Are the owners of a Beverly Anns Cookie franchise required to sign the general release for renewal?
Beverly_Anns_Cookie Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 5.2.5 General Release. Sign and have each of your Owners sign our current form of general release which contains a release of all claims, known or unknown, against us and our affiliates and subsidiaries, and our and their respective members, officers, directors, agents and employees, in both their corporate and individual capacities. Unless otherwise prevented by state law, we will consider your failure to sign the release within 30 days after it is delivered to you to be an election not to acquire a Successor Franchise;
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 57–235)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Beverly Anns Cookie's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, to renew a franchise agreement and enter into a Successor Franchise Agreement, both the franchisee and each of their owners must sign the current form of general release. This release covers all claims, whether known or unknown, against Beverly Anns Cookie, its affiliates, subsidiaries, and their respective members, officers, directors, agents, and employees in both their corporate and individual capacities.
The FDD stipulates that failure to sign the release within 30 days after it is delivered will be considered an election not to acquire a Successor Franchise, unless otherwise prevented by state law. This requirement ensures that Beverly Anns Cookie is protected from potential legal claims when a franchisee renews their agreement.
For a prospective Beverly Anns Cookie franchisee, this means that renewing the franchise involves releasing the franchisor from any past or present liabilities. Franchisees should carefully review the general release and understand its implications before signing, as it affects their legal rights against the franchisor. It is advisable to seek legal counsel to fully understand the scope and impact of the release.