Can the location of Bhc arbitration hearings be somewhere other than Los Angeles County, California?

According to Bhc's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, arbitration hearings can occur outside of Los Angeles County, California, under specific circumstances. The standard location for hearings is at the JAMS business location in Los Angeles County, California, or in the county where Bhc's headquarters is located. However, Bhc has the option to have the hearings at the JAMS business location nearest to the franchisee's principal place of business.

Additionally, the arbitrator has the authority to determine if there are exceptional circumstances that would justify a delay in the hearings. The arbitration hearings must commence within six months of filing the demand for arbitration, unless the arbitrator determines a delay is justified due to exceptional circumstances, or if all parties involved in the dispute agree to a delay.

Therefore, while Los Angeles County is a primary location for arbitration, the FDD outlines alternative locations based on the location of Bhc's headquarters, the franchisee's business location, or by mutual agreement of all parties involved. This provides some flexibility in determining the location of arbitration hearings, potentially reducing travel costs and inconvenience for franchisees depending on their location relative to Los Angeles.