In Minnesota, is Buns On Fire allowed to require litigation to be conducted outside of Minnesota?

According to Buns On Fire's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Minnesota law protects franchisees from being forced to litigate disputes outside of the state. Specifically, Minn. Stat. § 80C.21 and Minn. Rule 2860.4400(J) explicitly prohibit Buns On Fire from requiring franchisees to conduct litigation outside of Minnesota. This protection ensures that franchisees can pursue legal remedies within their home state, avoiding the increased costs and logistical challenges of out-of-state litigation.

This provision is included in an addendum to the standard Franchise Disclosure Document specifically for the state of Minnesota, highlighting the state's commitment to protecting franchisee rights. The addendum also clarifies that nothing in the Franchise Disclosure Document or any related agreements can override or diminish a franchisee's rights under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 80C, or their access to procedures, forums, or remedies provided by Minnesota law. This reinforces the franchisee's ability to resolve disputes within the state's legal framework.

For a prospective Buns On Fire franchisee in Minnesota, this means that any clause in the franchise agreement that might suggest or require litigation to occur outside of Minnesota is unenforceable. This protection is a significant benefit, as it allows franchisees to address legal issues without incurring the additional expenses and complications associated with traveling to another state for court proceedings. It also ensures that Minnesota franchisees can rely on their state's laws and legal system to resolve disputes with Buns On Fire.