What is the stated intention of the parties regarding the resolution of disputes through mediation for Carbones Pizzeria?

According to the 2025 Carbones Pizzeria Franchise Disclosure Document, the parties acknowledge that they intend to expedite the resolution of any dispute through the mediation process. If a dispute arises between Carbones Pizzeria and a franchisee, the procedure involves an initial meeting between the President of Carbones Pizzeria (or a designated representative) and the franchisee (or the President of the franchisee entity) within ten days of a written request from either party. The party requesting the meeting must detail the nature of the dispute in writing.

If the initial meeting does not resolve the dispute, both parties agree to submit to mediation in Hennepin County, Minnesota, using a mutually agreed-upon mediator. The party seeking resolution provides a list of three qualified mediators, from which the other party selects one to conduct the mediation. The mediator's developed procedure will govern the mediation proceedings.

Each party is responsible for paying one-half of the mediation costs, as well as their own attorney fees and costs. If mediation fails to resolve the dispute, the matter proceeds to arbitration in Hennepin County, Minnesota, under the American Arbitration Association rules, utilizing a three-member panel of arbitrators.