Who are the 'Authorized Parties' required to discuss disputes for Camp Margaritaville, and for how long must they discuss them?
Camp_Margaritaville Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- (b) The Parties agree that, as a condition precedent to the institution of any arbitration or litigation of issues among or between them regarding this Agreement, the following efforts shall be undertaken:
- (i) All disputes must be discussed within five (5) business days of either Party's request between Buffett (or his Estate) and Margaritaville's Chief Executive Officer (or the equivalent) or the next most senior person ("Authorized Parties"), for a minimum of one (1) hour before mediation or arbitration can be used;
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 72–406)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Camp Margaritaville's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, before instituting any arbitration or litigation regarding the franchise agreement, disputes must be discussed between specific 'Authorized Parties.' These parties include Buffett (or his Estate) and Margaritaville's Chief Executive Officer (or the equivalent) or the next most senior person.
These 'Authorized Parties' are required to discuss the disputes within five business days of either party's request. The discussion must last for a minimum of one hour before mediation or arbitration can be pursued.
This initial discussion is a mandatory step in the dispute resolution process for Camp Margaritaville, intended to encourage resolution through direct communication before resorting to more formal and potentially costly methods like mediation or arbitration.