What is the meaning of 'Franchisee' in the context of the Franchise Owner Agreement for Bigfoot Forestry?

According to Bigfoot Forestry's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the term 'Franchisee' in the Franchise Agreement has a specific meaning that extends beyond just the individual or entity signing the agreement. For the purposes of the Franchise Agreement, 'Franchisee' includes both the entity listed as the Franchisee in the Franchise Agreement itself, and also the Person who signed the Development Agreement as a Developer, if that person is different from the Franchisee.

This definition is important because it clarifies who is bound by the terms of the Franchise Agreement and who has responsibilities under it. It ensures that both the entity operating the franchise and the individual who initially committed to developing the franchise locations are held accountable. This is especially relevant when the Development Agreement is signed by an individual who then forms a separate entity to operate the franchise.

For a prospective Bigfoot Forestry franchisee, this means understanding that if they initially signed a Development Agreement as an individual and later formed a company to operate the franchise, both they as an individual and their company will be considered the 'Franchisee' and will be responsible for fulfilling the obligations outlined in the Franchise Agreement. This dual responsibility could have implications for liability, decision-making, and overall management of the franchise.