Are there specific statutes mentioned in the Washington Addendum to the Brueggers Bagels License Agreement?
Brueggers_Bagels Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
In recognition of the requirements of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, Wash. Rev. Code §§ 19.100.010 through 19.100.940, the parties to the attached Bruegger's Franchise Corporation License Agreement agree as follows:
In the event of a conflict of laws, the provisions of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, Chapter 19.100 RCW will prevail.
RCW 19.100.180 may supersede the franchise agreement in your relationship with the franchisor including the areas of termination and renewal of your franchise.
There may also be court decisions which may supersede the franchise agreement in your relationship with the franchisor including the areas of termination and renewal of your franchise.
In any arbitration or mediation involving a franchise purchased in Washington, the arbitration or mediation site will be either in the state of Washington, or in a place mutually agreed upon at the time of the arbitration or mediation, or as determined by the arbitrator or mediator at the time of arbitration or mediation.
In addition, if litigation is not precluded by the franchise agreement, a franchisee may bring an action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with the sale of franchises, or a violation of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, in Washington.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 61–335)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Brueggers Bagels' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Washington Addendum to the License Agreement specifically references the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, Wash. Rev. Code §§ 19.100.010 through 19.100.940. This act is recognized as a key legal framework governing franchise relationships in Washington state.
The addendum stipulates that in the event of any conflict of laws, the provisions of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, Chapter 19.100 RCW, will take precedence. Furthermore, RCW 19.100.180 is identified as potentially superseding the franchise agreement, particularly in matters concerning the termination and renewal of the franchise. Court decisions may also have a similar effect, superseding the franchise agreement in areas of termination and renewal.
For a prospective Brueggers Bagels franchisee in Washington, this means that the state's franchise laws offer certain protections and may override some standard terms in the franchise agreement. It is important for franchisees to be aware of these specific statutes and how they impact their rights and obligations. The addendum also addresses dispute resolution, stating that arbitration or mediation involving a franchise purchased in Washington must occur within the state, unless otherwise agreed upon. Franchisees also retain the right to bring legal action in Washington for violations of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act.