In California, what are some examples of limitations on a Big Apple Bagels franchisee's rights in the agreements?
Big_Apple_Bagels Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
isclosure Document or Franchise Agreement. If you are in a registration state which requires an addendum, it will follow this page.
Attached are the state addenda for California, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Virginia, sand Wisconsin.
No statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgment signed or agreed to by a franchisee in connection with the commencement of the franchise relationship shall have the effect of (i) waiving any claims under any applicable state franchise law, including fraud in the inducement, or (ii) disclaiming reliance on any statement made by any franchisor, franchise seller, or other person acting on behalf of the franchisor. This provision supersedes any other term of any document executed in connection with the franchise
EXHIBIT R BAB SYSTEMS, INC. ADDENDUM TO FRANCHISE DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT FOR THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
The BAB Systems, Inc. Franchise Disclosure Document ("FDD") for use in the State of California is modified in accordance with the following:
-
- ALTHOUGH THESE FRANCHISES HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE FRANCHISE INVESTMENT LAW OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, SUCH REGISTRATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE APPROVAL, RECOMMENDATION OR ENDORSEMENT BY THE COMMISSIONER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL PROTECTION AND INNOVATION NOR A FINDING BY THE COMMISSIONER THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HEREIN IS TRUE, COMPLETE AND NOT MISLEADING.
-
- THE CALIFORNIA FRANCHISE INVESTMENT LAW REQUIRES THAT A COPY OF ALL PROPOSED AGREEMENTS RELATING TO THE SALE OF THE FRANCHISE BE DELIVERED TOGETHER WITH THE FRANCHISE DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT.
-
- OUR WEBSITE HAS NOT BEEN REVIEWED OR APPROVED BY THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL PROTECTION AND INNOVATION. ANY COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THE CONTENT OF THIS WEBSITE MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL PROTECTION AND INNOVATION at www.dfpi.ca.gov.
-
- FRANCHISEE MUST SIGN A PERSONAL GUARANTEE TO AGREE TO BE PERSONALLY LIABLE FOR THE FRANCHISEE'S OBLIGATIONS MAKING YOU AND YOUR SPOUSE INDIVIDUALLY LIABLE FOR YOUR FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE AGREEMENT IF YOU ARE MARRIED. THE GUARANTEE WILL PLACE YOUR AND YOUR SPOUSE'S MARITAL AND PERSONAL ASSETS AT RISK IF YOUR FRANCHISE FAILS.
-
- YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE AN EXCLUSIVE TERRITORY. YOU MAY FACE COMPETITION FROM OTHER FRANCHISEES, FROM OUTLETS THAT WE OWN, OR FROM OTHER CHANNELS OF DISTRIBUTION OR COMPETITIVE BRANDS THAT WE CONTROL.
-
- THE BAGELS FRANCHISE AGREEMENT AND THE BAGELS AREA DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT CONTAIN PROVISIONS WHICH MAY LIMIT FRANCHISEE'S RIGHTS INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO: A LIMITATION OF ACTIONS, WAIVER OF PUNITIVE DAMAGES, WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL AND CLASS ACTION WAIVER.
-
- AS SECURITY FOR PAYMENT OF ALL SUMS DUE TO FRANCHISOR FROM FRANCHISEE, FRANCHISEE GRANTS A CONTINUING SECURITY INTEREST IN FRANCHISEE'S PROPERTY.
-
- Item 3 of the Franchise Disclosure Document on "Litigation" is amended by the addition of the following:
Neither BAB, nor any person or franchise broker in Item 2 of the FDD is subject to any currently effective order of any national securities association or national securities exchange, as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, 15 U.S.C.A. 78a et seq., suspending or expelling such persons from membership in such association or exchange.
- Item 17 of the Franchise Disclosure Document on "Renewal, Termination, Transfer and Dispute Resolution" is amended by the addition of the following:
California Business and Professions Code Sections 20000 through 20043 provide rights to the franchisee concerning termination, transfer, or nonrenewal of a franchise. If the BAGELS Franchise Agreement contains a provision that is inconsistent with the law, the law will control.
The BAGELS Franchise Agreement provides for termination upon bankruptcy. This provision may not be enforceable under federal bankruptcy law (11 U.S.C.A. Sec. 101 et seq.).
The BAGELS Franchise Agreement contains a covenant not to compete which extends beyond the termination of the franchise. This provision may not be enforceable under California law.
The BAGELS Franchise Agreement contains a liquidated damages clause. Under California Civil Code Section 1671, certain liquidated damages clauses are unenforceable.
The BAGELS Franchise Agreement contains a waiver of jury trial clause. This provision may not be enforceable under California law."
The BAGELS Franchise Agreement requires binding arbitration. The arbitration will occur in Chicago, Illinois with the costs being borne by the losing party. Prospective franchisees are encouraged to consult private legal counsel to determine the applicability of California and federal laws (such as Business and Professions Code Section 20040.05, Code of Civil Procedure Section 1281, and the Federal Arbitration Act) to any provisions of a BAGELS Franchise Agreement restricting venue to a forum outside the State of California.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 87–319)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Big Apple Bagels' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, there are several limitations on a franchisee's rights in California. The California Addendum to the FDD indicates that franchisees will not receive an exclusive territory and may face competition from other franchisees, company-owned outlets, or other distribution channels controlled by Big Apple Bagels. The agreements also contain provisions that may limit a franchisee's rights, including limitations on actions, waivers of punitive damages, waivers of jury trials, and class action waivers.
Furthermore, the California Business and Professions Code provides rights to franchisees concerning termination, transfer, or nonrenewal of a franchise. If the Big Apple Bagels Franchise Agreement contains any provision inconsistent with California law, the law will take precedence. For example, a covenant not to compete extending beyond the termination of the franchise may not be enforceable under California law. Similarly, certain liquidated damages clauses may be unenforceable under California Civil Code Section 1671.
Additionally, the Big Apple Bagels Franchise Agreement requires binding arbitration in Chicago, Illinois, with the losing party bearing the costs. The FDD advises prospective franchisees to seek legal counsel to determine the applicability of California and federal laws regarding venue restrictions to a forum outside California. The agreement also stipulates that litigation of disputes (not subject to arbitration) will occur in Illinois, with costs borne by the losing party; however, this provision may not be enforceable under California law. Similarly, the requirement for the application of Illinois law may not be enforceable in California.