Can the Buff City Soap franchise agreement be amended, and if so, how?

According to the 2025 Buff City Soap Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchise agreement can be amended. The FDD specifies that any amendment to the agreement must be made through a written instrument. This written instrument must be duly executed by both the franchisee and Buff City Soap.

This requirement for a written amendment is a standard practice in franchising. It ensures that any changes to the original agreement are formally documented and agreed upon by both parties, preventing misunderstandings or disputes based on verbal agreements or informal communications. The franchisee should carefully review any proposed amendments with legal counsel to fully understand their implications before signing.

However, the FDD also includes addenda for specific states like California, Illinois, Indiana, Connecticut, and Hawaii, which may modify or supersede certain provisions of the standard franchise agreement. For example, the California addendum notes that certain provisions, such as those related to liquidated damages or the application of laws from a different state, may not be enforceable under California law. Similarly, Illinois law governs the agreements, and any provision designating jurisdiction or venue outside Illinois is void, although arbitration outside of Illinois is permitted. These state-specific addenda highlight the importance of understanding how local laws can impact the enforceability and interpretation of the franchise agreement.

Prospective Buff City Soap franchisees should pay close attention to any state-specific addenda that apply to their location and consult with an attorney to ensure they understand their rights and obligations under both the standard franchise agreement and any applicable state laws.