For Big Apple Bagels in Maryland, what paragraph of the Franchise Agreement is amended regarding renewal?
Big_Apple_Bagels Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| This Addendum is to a BAGELS Franchise Agreement dated | , 20 between BAB | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Systems, Inc. and | (Franchisee) to amend said Agreement as follows: | ||
| 1. | language to the original language that appears therein: Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law." | Paragraph 2.b. of the BAGELS Franchise Agreement on Renewal, and Paragraph 14.b. of the BAGELS Franchise Agreement on Transfer by Franchisee are amended by the addition of the following "Any provision allowing Franchisee to execute a general release of any and all claims against Franchisor shall not apply to any liability under Maryland |
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 86–87)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Big Apple Bagels' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, for franchisees in Maryland, Paragraph 2.b. of the BAGELS Franchise Agreement concerning renewal is amended. This amendment adds language clarifying that any provision requiring the franchisee to execute a general release of claims against the franchisor will not apply to liabilities arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law. This ensures that franchisees in Maryland retain their rights under Maryland law, even when renewing their franchise agreement.
This amendment is significant for prospective Big Apple Bagels franchisees in Maryland because it protects their ability to pursue claims under Maryland's franchise law, regardless of any general release they might sign during the renewal process. The Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law aims to protect franchisees from unfair practices by franchisors, and this amendment ensures that franchisees do not inadvertently waive those protections upon renewal.
In practical terms, this means that if a Big Apple Bagels franchisee in Maryland has a claim against the franchisor under Maryland franchise law, they can still pursue that claim even if they have signed a general release as part of their franchise renewal. This provides an added layer of security and legal recourse for franchisees operating in Maryland.