Regarding Beyond Juicery Eatery franchises in Maryland, does the requirement to conduct litigation or arbitration in the franchisor's principal place of business limit a franchisee's rights under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law?

According to Beyond Juicery Eatery's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchise agreement is amended for franchisees in Maryland to comply with the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law. Specifically, the FDD addresses concerns about litigation or arbitration being conducted in the franchisor's principal place of business.

The FDD states that while Section 23.02 of the Franchise Agreement typically requires litigation or arbitration to occur in the state where Beyond Juicery Eatery's principal business is located, this requirement will not limit any rights a franchisee may have under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law to bring a lawsuit in the state of Maryland. This ensures that Maryland franchisees retain their legal rights within their own state, regardless of the standard venue stipulations in the franchise agreement.

Furthermore, the FDD includes an amendment clarifying that a franchisee may bring a lawsuit in Maryland for claims arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law. This provision reinforces the protection of franchisees' rights under Maryland law, ensuring they are not disadvantaged by venue clauses that might otherwise compel them to litigate or arbitrate disputes outside of Maryland.