Under the Buona agreement, what law governs the interpretation of the agreement?

According to Buona's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the laws of the State of Illinois govern the interpretation of the franchise agreement. This means that any disputes arising from the agreement will be resolved according to Illinois law, without considering any conflict of laws principles. This is a standard clause in franchise agreements, as it provides clarity and predictability regarding the legal framework that will be applied should disagreements occur.

For a prospective Buona franchisee, this clause means that familiarity with Illinois law could be beneficial. However, Buona may be responsible for understanding and complying with Illinois law, as it pertains to the franchise agreement. This includes aspects such as contract law, intellectual property rights, and any other relevant regulations.

While the agreement is governed by Illinois law, it's important to note that franchisees operating Buona restaurants outside of Illinois must still comply with the laws and regulations of their respective states. This clause primarily addresses the interpretation of the franchise agreement itself, not necessarily all aspects of business operations.