What restrictions are placed on Brueggers Bagels franchisors regarding soliciting or hiring employees of franchisees in Washington?
Brueggers_Bagels Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
RCW 49.62.060 prohibits a franchisor from restricting, restraining, or prohibiting a franchisee from (i) soliciting or hiring any employee of a franchisee of the same franchisor or (ii) soliciting or hiring any employee of the franchisor.
As a result, any such provisions contained in the franchise agreement or elsewhere are void and unenforceable in Washington.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 61–335)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Brueggers Bagels's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, specifically the Washington Addendum, there are explicit protections in place for franchisees regarding the solicitation and hiring of employees. RCW 49.62.060, a Washington state law, is referenced, which directly prohibits Brueggers Bagels as the franchisor from imposing any restrictions that would prevent a franchisee from soliciting or hiring employees of either another franchisee within the Brueggers Bagels system or employees of Brueggers Bagels itself. This means Brueggers Bagels cannot enforce any clauses in the franchise agreement or other documents that would limit a franchisee's ability to recruit or hire from these sources.
This provision is significant for prospective Brueggers Bagels franchisees in Washington because it ensures they have the freedom to build their workforce by recruiting from a wider pool of talent, including individuals already familiar with the Brueggers Bagels system. It prevents the franchisor from creating artificial barriers to staffing, which could otherwise hinder a franchisee's ability to operate efficiently and competitively. This protection is particularly valuable in a tight labor market where access to qualified employees can be a key factor in business success.
The FDD explicitly states that any conflicting provisions within the franchise agreement are considered void and unenforceable in Washington. This reinforces the primacy of Washington state law in protecting the rights of franchisees in this specific area. This addendum serves to modify the standard franchise agreement to comply with Washington state law, providing clarity and assurance to franchisees operating in Washington.
It is important for prospective franchisees to carefully review the Washington Addendum in conjunction with the standard franchise agreement to fully understand their rights and obligations under Washington law. This ensures that they are aware of the specific protections afforded to them and can make informed decisions about their investment in a Brueggers Bagels franchise.