In Washington, is Brueggers Bagels allowed to restrict a franchisee from soliciting or hiring employees of other franchisees of the same franchisor?
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, in the state of Washington, the franchisor is prohibited from restricting a franchisee's ability to solicit or hire employees from other Brueggers Bagels franchisees. This protection is explicitly stated in the Washington Addendum to the franchise agreement, referencing RCW 49.62.060.
This means that any clause within the franchise agreement that attempts to prevent a Brueggers Bagels franchisee in Washington from hiring or soliciting employees of another franchisee is considered void and unenforceable. This provision aims to promote fair competition and employee mobility within the Brueggers Bagels franchise system in Washington.
For a prospective franchisee, this is a significant benefit. It allows them to recruit talent from within the existing Brueggers Bagels network in Washington, potentially gaining experienced staff who are already familiar with the brand and its operations. However, franchisees should be aware of ethical considerations and potential impacts on other franchisees when actively recruiting their employees.