Does the Minnesota Addendum to the Brueggers Bagels Franchise Agreement allow litigation to be required outside of Minnesota?
Brueggers_Bagels Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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- Jurisdiction and Venue. Section 14.7 is amended to add the following: Under Minnesota Statutes Section 80C.21, this section will not in any way abrogate or reduce any rights of the Franchisee as provided for in Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 80C, including the right to submit matters to the jurisdiction of the courts in Minnesota. Minnesota Statutes Section 80C.21 and Minnesota Rule 2860.4400J prohibit BFC from requiring litigation to be conducted outside Minnesota.
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- Integration of Agreement; Acknowledgments and Representations; Disclosure Acknowledgment Statement. Section 12, Section 14.16, and Exhibit G are each amended by adding the following:
Pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 80C.21 and Minn. Rule Part 2860.4400J, nothing in the Agreement shall in any way abrogate or reduce any of your rights as provided for in Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 80C.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 61–335)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Brueggers Bagels's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Minnesota Addendum to the Franchise Agreement explicitly protects a franchisee's right to litigate within Minnesota. Specifically, it states that Minnesota Statutes Section 80C.21 and Minnesota Rule 2860.4400J prohibit Brueggers Franchise Corporation (BFC) from requiring litigation to be conducted outside of Minnesota. This ensures that Minnesota franchisees are not forced to bear the burden and expense of pursuing legal action in a different state.
This provision is designed to prevent Brueggers Bagels from imposing unfair conditions that could disadvantage franchisees. By ensuring that litigation can occur within Minnesota, the addendum helps to level the playing field and protect the legal rights of franchisees operating in the state. This protection extends to all matters falling under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 80C.
Furthermore, the addendum reinforces this protection by stating that nothing in the Franchise Agreement can reduce any of the franchisee's rights as provided by Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 80C. This comprehensive approach ensures that franchisees retain their rights under Minnesota law and are not subject to clauses that might otherwise compel them to litigate outside the state. This is a significant benefit for prospective franchisees in Minnesota, as it provides a clear legal framework and protects them from potentially onerous litigation requirements.