Where should the face-to-face meeting be held to resolve disputes with Black Bear Diner?
Black_Bear_Diner Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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 parties involved in a dispute (Franchisor and Franchisee) must first attempt to resolve it through a face-to-face meeting. This meeting is to be held at a neutral location at or near Black Bear Diner's headquarters. The meeting should occur within 30 days after either the franchisee or franchisor provides written notice to the other party proposing the meeting.
This initial face-to-face meeting is a mandatory step in the dispute resolution process. If this meeting does not lead to a satisfactory resolution, the parties are then obligated to proceed to mediation. This indicates Black Bear Diner's emphasis on attempting to resolve issues amicably before resorting to more formal and potentially costly methods like arbitration or litigation.
For a prospective franchisee, this means that if a dispute arises, they may need to travel to or near Black Bear Diner's headquarters for the face-to-face meeting. Franchisees should factor in potential travel costs and time when considering this aspect of the franchise agreement. The FDD does not specify who bears the cost of travel for this meeting.