For Bonchon area franchises in Maryland, is the Area Development Agreement's venue requirement limited to New York still applicable?
Bonchon Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
MARYLAND ADDENDUM TO AREA DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT
The following provisions will supersede anything to the contrary in the Franchise Disclosure Document or Area Development Agreement and will apply to all area franchises offered and sold under the laws of the State of Maryland:
Section 18.13 of the Area Development Agreement ("Venue") requires venue to be limited to New York.
This provision is deleted from all Area Development Agreements for residents of the State of Maryland and/or area franchises to be operated in the State of Maryland.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 92–536)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bonchon's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Area Development Agreement's venue requirement that is limited to New York is not applicable to area franchises in Maryland.
The Maryland Addendum to the Area Development Agreement specifically addresses the venue requirement. Section 18.13 of the Area Development Agreement, which mandates that venue be limited to New York, is explicitly deleted for all Area Development Agreements for residents of Maryland and/or area franchises to be operated in Maryland. This means that Maryland franchisees are not bound by the New York venue requirement.
This modification provides a significant benefit to Bonchon franchisees in Maryland, as it allows them to pursue legal claims in their home state rather than being required to travel to New York. This can save time and money, and it can also make it easier for franchisees to find legal representation. This change reflects Maryland's franchise laws and provides additional protection for franchisees operating within the state.