Where must arbitration or mediation of disputes be held for a Brain Balance franchise in North Dakota?

According to the 2025 Brain Balance Franchise Disclosure Document, the location for arbitration or mediation of disputes for a franchise in North Dakota is not restricted to California, as it might be in the standard agreement. Instead, the specific location must be agreeable to all parties involved and conveniently located near the franchisee's Brain Balance center. This amendment ensures that North Dakota franchisees are not required to travel to California for dispute resolution, which could be a significant cost and inconvenience. This change is outlined in the North Dakota Addendum to the Franchise Agreement.

This modification to the standard Brain Balance agreement is important for prospective franchisees in North Dakota because it provides a more balanced and accessible approach to dispute resolution. By ensuring that the location for arbitration or mediation is mutually agreeable and not remote from the franchisee's business, it reduces the potential burden on the franchisee during a dispute. This could save the franchisee time and money, as they would not have to incur significant travel expenses or spend excessive time away from their business.

It is worth noting that the specific location for arbitration or mediation still needs to be agreed upon by all parties. While this provides flexibility, it also means that the franchisee may need to negotiate to ensure a convenient location. Franchisees should be prepared to discuss and potentially compromise on the location to reach an agreement. This contrasts with the original agreement, which mandated California as the site, regardless of the franchisee's location.