Where should the face-to-face meeting be held between Black Bear Diner and the franchisee to resolve a dispute?
Black_Bear_Diner Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
The parties pledge to attempt to resolve any dispute between Franchisor and Franchisee or either party's affiliates arising under, out of, in connection with or in relation to this Agreement, the parties' relationship, or any Black Bear Diner restaurant in connection with this Agreement in accordance with the following process:
Face-to-Face Meeting. The parties pledge to attempt first to resolve any dispute at a faceto-face meeting. The face-to-face meeting shall be held at a neutral location at or near Franchisor's headquarters within 30 days after either Franchisee or Franchisor gives written notice to the other party proposing such a meeting. If such face-to-face meeting fails to result in a satisfactory resolution of the dispute then the parties agree to proceed to mediation.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 56–243)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Black Bear Diner Franchise Disclosure Document, the initial step in resolving disputes involves a face-to-face meeting. This meeting is to be held at a neutral location that is at or near Black Bear Diner's headquarters.
This meeting must occur within 30 days after either the franchisee or Black Bear Diner provides written notice to the other party, proposing the meeting. The intention is to facilitate a direct discussion between the parties to find a resolution.
If the face-to-face meeting does not lead to a satisfactory resolution, the next step is mediation. This shows that Black Bear Diner prioritizes initial attempts to resolve issues through direct communication before moving to more formal methods like mediation.