Does the Bonchon Franchise Agreement contain any release language that would relieve the Franchisor from liability imposed by Minnesota franchise laws?
Bonchon Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
No release language set forth in the Franchise Agreement will relieve the Franchisor or any other person, directly or indirectly, from liability imposed by the laws concerning franchising of the State of Minnesota.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 92–536)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bonchon's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Minnesota Addendum to the Franchise Agreement specifically addresses the enforceability of release language. The addendum states that no release language in the Franchise Agreement will relieve Bonchon, or any other person, from liability imposed by Minnesota franchise laws. This ensures that franchisees in Minnesota retain all rights and protections afforded to them under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 80C.
This provision is beneficial for prospective Bonchon franchisees in Minnesota as it prevents Bonchon from using standard contract language to circumvent state franchise laws. It reinforces that Minnesota franchisees cannot be forced to waive their legal rights through any clause in the franchise agreement. This protection is particularly important in the context of franchise agreements, which often contain extensive legal provisions that may be difficult for franchisees to fully understand.
Furthermore, the Minnesota Addendum includes additional stipulations that protect franchisees. For example, it ensures that franchisees retain their rights to any procedure, forum, or remedies provided by Minnesota law. It also addresses venue requirements, prohibiting Bonchon from requiring litigation to be conducted outside of Minnesota. These provisions collectively strengthen the legal standing of Bonchon franchisees in Minnesota and provide a more balanced franchisor-franchisee relationship.
In summary, the Minnesota Addendum to the Bonchon Franchise Agreement explicitly prohibits any release language that would relieve Bonchon from liabilities imposed by Minnesota franchise laws. This ensures that franchisees in Minnesota maintain their full legal rights and protections under state law, promoting a fairer and more equitable franchise relationship.