For Beverly Anns Cookie, what does the term 'Franchisor's Choice of Law State' refer to?

According to Beverly Anns Cookie's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the 'Franchisor's Choice of Law State' is defined within the context of the State Addenda and Agreement Riders. Specifically, when this term is used in those addenda, it refers to the state of Kentucky. This definition is relevant for franchisees in certain states that have laws governing franchise relationships and documents, as these states may require modifications to the FDD, Franchise Agreement, and other related documents.

The State Addendum modifies these agreements to comply with the specific state's laws, and its terms will only apply if the franchisee meets the requirements of the applicable state. The terms of the State Addendum override any inconsistent provisions in the FDD, Franchise Agreement, or any Supplemental Documents. The states to which this addendum applies include California, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.

For a potential Beverly Anns Cookie franchisee, this means that if a dispute arises and the franchise agreement specifies that the law of the 'Franchisor's Choice of Law State' governs, Kentucky law will be applied. This is particularly important for franchisees located outside of Kentucky, as they may need to familiarize themselves with Kentucky's franchise laws. The state addenda are designed to ensure compliance with local laws, but the designation of Kentucky as the 'Franchisor's Choice of Law State' indicates where Beverly Anns Cookie is headquartered and the legal framework it prefers to operate under.