Where may CJR file suit against a Carls Jr. franchisee?
Carls_Jr Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
CJR may file suit in the federal or state court located in the jurisdiction where its principal offices are located at the time suit is filed or in the jurisdiction where Franchisee resides or does business or where the Franchised Restaurant is or was located or where the claim arose.
Franchisee consents to the personal jurisdiction of those courts over Franchisee and to venue in those courts.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 75–76)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Carls Jr. Franchise Disclosure Document, Carls Jr. (CJR) has multiple options regarding where it may file a lawsuit against a franchisee. Specifically, CJR can file suit in the federal or state court located in the jurisdiction where its principal offices are located at the time the suit is filed.
In addition to the location of its principal offices, Carls Jr. can also file suit in the jurisdiction where the franchisee resides or does business. This provides CJR with flexibility, allowing them to pursue legal action in a location that may be more convenient or advantageous to their case.
Furthermore, Carls Jr. can file suit where the franchised restaurant is or was located, or where the claim arose. This is particularly relevant if the dispute is directly related to the operation of the restaurant or an incident that occurred at the restaurant's location. The franchisee consents to the personal jurisdiction of these courts, agreeing to be subject to legal proceedings in those locations.