For a Big Apple Bagels franchise purchased in Washington, where is the mandatory arbitration site?
Big_Apple_Bagels Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
In any arbitration involving a franchise purchased in Washington, the arbitration site shall be either in Washington or in a place as mutually agreed upon at the time of the arbitration, or as determined by the arbitrator at the time of arbitration or mediation.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 87–319)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Big Apple Bagels' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, for any franchise purchased in Washington, the arbitration site will be in Washington. However, the location can be a place mutually agreed upon at the time of arbitration. The arbitrator can also determine the location at the time of arbitration or mediation.
This means that if a dispute arises and arbitration is required, a Big Apple Bagels franchisee in Washington has some flexibility in determining where the arbitration will take place. The franchisee can try to agree with Big Apple Bagels on a convenient location, or if an agreement cannot be reached, the arbitrator will decide. This is a notable benefit for franchisees in Washington, as it provides an alternative to having arbitration mandatorily set in a distant or inconvenient location.
It is important to note that this clause specifically addresses the arbitration site for franchises purchased in Washington. Franchisees should carefully review Item 23 of the FDD and any state-specific addenda to fully understand their rights and obligations regarding dispute resolution.