In Washington, is Bonchon allowed to restrict a franchisee from soliciting or hiring any employee of a franchisee of the same franchisor?
Bonchon Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
RCW 49.62.060 prohibits a franchisor from restricting, restraining, or prohibiting a franchisee from (i) soliciting or hiring any employee of a franchisee of the same franchisor or (ii) soliciting or hiring any employee of the franchisor.
As a result, any such provisions contained in the franchise agreement or elsewhere are void and unenforceable in Washington.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 92–536)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bonchon's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Bonchon is prohibited from restricting a franchisee in Washington from soliciting or hiring any employee of a franchisee of the same franchisor. This protection is explicitly stated in RCW 49.62.060, a Washington state statute. Any provisions within the franchise agreement that contradict this law are considered void and unenforceable in Washington.
This means that a Bonchon franchisee in Washington has the freedom to recruit and hire employees from other Bonchon franchise locations without facing legal repercussions from Bonchon. This can be a significant advantage for franchisees looking to build a skilled and experienced team, as they are not limited by non-solicitation clauses that might otherwise restrict their hiring options.
Prospective Bonchon franchisees in Washington should be aware of this legal protection, as it can influence their staffing strategies and competitive advantage within the Bonchon franchise system. It is important to note that this protection is specific to Washington state due to RCW 49.62.060, and may not apply in other states where Bonchon franchises operate.