Under what grounds can a franchisee terminate the Carls Jr. franchise agreement in Washington?

According to the 2025 Carls Jr. Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee in Washington State may terminate the franchise agreement under any grounds permitted by Washington state law. This means that the specific reasons allowing a franchisee to terminate the agreement are determined by the laws of Washington, not solely by the terms outlined in the franchise agreement itself.

This provision is crucial for prospective Carls Jr. franchisees in Washington because it ensures that their rights are protected by state law, which may offer broader or different termination rights than the standard franchise agreement. Franchisees should familiarize themselves with the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act and other relevant state laws to understand their termination options fully.

It is important for potential franchisees to seek legal counsel to fully understand their rights and obligations under Washington state law, as these laws can significantly impact the franchise relationship and the franchisee's ability to terminate the agreement. This addendum serves to clarify that state law takes precedence over conflicting terms in the franchise agreement, providing an additional layer of protection for franchisees operating in Washington.