For Brueggers Bagels franchises in Illinois, can a franchisee waive compliance with the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act or any other law of Illinois?

According to Brueggers Bagels's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees in Illinois cannot waive compliance with the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act or any other Illinois law. Specifically, any condition or provision that attempts to bind a person acquiring a Brueggers Bagels franchise to waive compliance with these laws is considered void. This protection is explicitly stated in conformance with Section 41 of the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act. This safeguard is also present in the Illinois addendum to the franchise agreement.

This provision means that Brueggers Bagels franchisees in Illinois are entitled to the full protections and rights afforded to them under Illinois law, regardless of what the franchise agreement might otherwise state. The Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act aims to protect franchisees from unfair practices and ensures they have access to certain information and rights.

Furthermore, no statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgment signed by a Brueggers Bagels franchisee can waive claims under any applicable state franchise law, including claims of fraud in the inducement, or disclaim reliance on representations made by the franchisor. This protection supersedes any other conflicting term in any document executed in connection with the franchise, reinforcing the franchisee's rights and ensuring that they cannot inadvertently relinquish their legal protections. The Illinois addendum modifies several sections of the franchise agreement to ensure compliance with the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act, including those related to renewal terms, termination, governing law, jurisdiction, and the time period for filing claims.