Under what conditions can Brueggers Bagels terminate the franchise agreement without allowing the franchisee an opportunity to cure the default?
Brueggers_Bagels Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
[Item 22: CONTRACTS]
17. DEFAULT AND TERMINATION
The terms and conditions regarding default and termination contained herein shall be subject to any applicable state statutes or regulations regarding the termination of a franchise.
- 17.1. Automatic Termination Without Notice.
You will be deemed to be in default under this Agreement, and all rights granted to you herein will automatically terminate without notice to you, if you become insolvent or make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; if you file a petition in bankruptcy or a petition is filed against you and not opposed by you; if you are adjudicated as bankrupt or insolvent; if a bill in equity or other proceeding for the appointment of a receiver or other custodian for your business or assets is filed and consented to by you; if a receiver or other custodian (permanent or temporary) of your assets or property, or any part thereof, is appointed by any court of competent jurisdiction; if proceedings for a composition with creditors under any state or federal law are instituted by or against you; if a final judgment against you remains unsatisfied or of record for thirty (30) days or longer (unless supersedeas bond is filed); if your company is dissolved; if execution is levied against your business or property; if a suit to foreclose any lien or mortgage against you, the Premises or equipment of the Bakery is instituted and not dismissed within thirty (30) days or if you enter into any agreement that is in lieu of such foreclosure; or if the real or personal property of the Bakery is sold after levy thereupon by any sheriff, marshal, or constable.
- 17.2. With Notice but No Opportunity to Cure.
You shall be deemed to be in material default and we may, at our option, terminate this Agreement and all rights granted hereunder, without affording you any opportunity to cure the default, effective immediately upon delivery of our written notice of termination, upon the occurrence of any of the following events:
- 17.2.1. If you and/or your personnel fail to complete all required training under Section 7.1 to our satisfaction prior to the opening of the Bakery;
[Item 22: CONTRACTS]
- 9.2. Material Default With No Opportunity to Cure.
You shall be deemed to be in Material Default and we may, at our option, terminate this Agreement and all rights granted hereunder, without affording you any opportunity to cure the default, effective immediately upon receipt of notice of such termination from us to you, upon the occurrence of any of the following events:
9.2.1. There is a default under any Franchise Agreement for which there is no opportunity to cure;
9.2.2. Failure to satisfy the Development Schedule as described in Section 1.3 of this Agreement;
9.2.3. If you cease to operate or otherwise abandon a Bakery, lose the right to possession of the Premises, or forfeit the right to do or transact business in the jurisdiction where the Premises for a Bakery are located.
However, if, through no fault of your own, the Premises are damaged or destroyed by an event such that repairs or reconstruction cannot be completed within sixty (60) days thereafter, then you will have thirty (30) days after that event in which to apply for our approval to relocate and/or reconstruct the Bakery, which approval will not be unreasonably withheld;
9.2.4. If you, or any person or entity with an interest in you purports to transfer an interest other than in accordance with Section 8;
9.2.5. If you or if any entity, shareholder, member, partner, or other person controlling more than five percent (5%) of Developer's stock, membership interest or partnership interest, by act or omission, permits or commits tortious conduct or a violation of any applicable law, ordinance, rule or
governmental regulation (including, but not limited to, any applicable employment law (e.g., harassment, discrimination, retaliation, equal employment, treatment of disabled persons, child labor or wages and hour law)) constituting a felony, or constituting a misdemeanor, lesser criminal offense or a violation of law which in our sole judgment has, or is likely to have, an adverse effect upon the System, the Proprietary Marks, or the goodwill associated therewith;
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 61)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Brueggers Bagels's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, there are several conditions under which the franchise agreement can be terminated without an opportunity to cure the default. These include situations considered severe enough to warrant immediate termination.
First, Brueggers Bagels can terminate the agreement without notice if the franchisee becomes insolvent, makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, files for bankruptcy (or a petition is filed against them and not opposed), is adjudicated bankrupt or insolvent, consents to the appointment of a receiver, or has a receiver appointed for their assets. Additionally, Brueggers Bagels can immediately terminate the agreement if proceedings for composition with creditors are instituted, a final judgment remains unsatisfied for 30 days or longer (unless a supersedeas bond is filed), the franchisee's company is dissolved, execution is levied against the business, a foreclosure suit is instituted and not dismissed within 30 days, or the real or personal property of the bakery is sold after levy.
Second, Brueggers Bagels can terminate the agreement immediately if the franchisee and/or their personnel fail to complete all required training to Brueggers Bagels's satisfaction before the bakery opens. Finally, Brueggers Bagels can terminate the agreement without opportunity to cure if there is a default under any other franchise agreement the franchisee has with them, failure to satisfy the Development Schedule, ceasing to operate or abandoning a Bakery, losing the right to possession of the Premises, or forfeiting the right to do business in the jurisdiction where the Premises are located. Also, if the franchisee transfers an interest in the franchise without following proper procedures, or if the franchisee or any controlling person permits or commits tortious conduct or violates any law that could adversely affect the Brueggers Bagels system, the agreement can be terminated immediately.
These conditions highlight the importance of financial stability, adherence to training requirements, and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations for Brueggers Bagels franchisees. Prospective franchisees should carefully consider these termination conditions and ensure they have a solid understanding of their obligations to avoid potential default and termination of their franchise agreement.