In the event of a conflict of laws regarding a Brueggers Bagels franchise, which law prevails?

According to Brueggers Bagels's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act will prevail in the event of a conflict of laws. This protection applies to franchise agreements, development agreements, and the general franchise disclosure document when offering or selling franchises in the state of Washington. Specifically, the language of Chapter 19.100 RCW of the Act takes precedence.

This means that if any part of the franchise agreement, development agreement, or disclosure document clashes with the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, the provisions of the Act will be upheld. This ensures that Brueggers Bagels franchisees in Washington receive the full protections afforded to them under state law, regardless of what the standard franchise agreement might say.

For a prospective Brueggers Bagels franchisee in Washington, this addendum offers significant security. It clarifies that the franchisee's rights under Washington law cannot be overridden by the standard terms of the franchise agreement. This covers critical aspects like termination, renewal, and dispute resolution, as the Act (RCW 19.100.180) may supersede the franchise agreement in these areas.

It is important for potential franchisees to carefully review both the franchise agreement and the Washington addendum to fully understand their rights and obligations. Franchisees should also be aware that court decisions may further supersede the franchise agreement, particularly in matters of termination and renewal.