If mediation is required for Bft dispute resolution, where will it take place?
Bft Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
C. Mediation.Except as provided in Section 12.E below, the Parties agree to submit any claim or dispute that they are unable to resolve informally, as described in Section 12.B above, to mediation to be conducted by JAMS using its then-current mediation rules and procedures (see www.jamsadr.com/mediation) and to take place at Franchisor's or, as applicable, Franchisor's successor's or assign's, then-current principal place of business (currently, Irvine, California), or via a videoconferencing platform, if both Parties agree.
Each Party will bear its own costs in participating in the mediation, and Franchisor and Developer will share JAMS' and the mediator's fees and costs equally.
Neither Party will be required to mediate for more than one (1) day.
Source: Item 17 — RENEWAL, TERMINATION, TRANSFER AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION (FDD pages 57–66)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bft's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if the parties cannot resolve a claim or dispute informally, they must submit to mediation conducted by JAMS (Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services). The mediation will occur at Bft's principal place of business, which is currently in Irvine, California. Alternatively, if both parties agree, the mediation can take place via a videoconferencing platform.
Bft utilizes JAMS' mediation rules and procedures during the mediation process. Each party is responsible for their own costs related to participating in the mediation. Bft and the developer will equally share the fees and costs charged by JAMS and the mediator.
Mediation is limited to a single day, meaning neither party is obligated to participate for longer than one day. This structured approach aims to facilitate efficient and cost-effective dispute resolution. Franchisees should be aware of these specific location and cost-sharing arrangements when considering a Bft franchise.