As of the effective date of this Browns Chicken Franchise Disclosure Document, is the franchise registration status in Illinois pending or effective?

According to Browns Chicken's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchise registration status in Illinois is pending as of the effective date. Exhibit K within the FDD lists the state effective dates for franchise registration, indicating whether the franchise is registered, not registered, or pending in various states. For Illinois, the listed status is 'Pending'.

This means that while Browns Chicken has applied for franchise registration in Illinois, the registration has not yet been approved by the state as of the FDD's effective date. A prospective franchisee in Illinois should confirm with Browns Chicken that the registration has been approved before signing any binding agreements or making payments. Operating without proper registration could lead to legal issues for both the franchisor and the franchisee.

It is common for franchise registrations to be pending in certain states, especially when the FDD is initially issued or updated. The 'pending' status indicates that Browns Chicken is actively working to comply with Illinois franchise laws. Prospective franchisees should stay informed about the registration status and understand their rights and obligations under Illinois franchise law, as detailed in the State Addendum to the Franchise Disclosure Document.