If operating a Carvel franchise in Maryland, is the franchisee required to sign the Franchisee Disclosure Acknowledgement?
Carvel Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
THIS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT SHALL NOT BE COMPLETED BY YOU, AND WILL NOT APPLY, IF THE OFFER OR SALE OF THE FRANCHISE IS SUBJECT TO THE STATE FRANCHISE DISCLOSURE LAWS IN THE STATES OF CALIFORNIA, HAWAII, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA, VIRGINIA, WASHINGTON, OR WISCONSIN.
IF THE FRANCHISE IS TO BE OPERATED IN, OR YOU ARE A RESIDENT OF, MARYLAND, DO NOT SIGN THE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 100–353)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Carvel's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees operating in Maryland are not required to complete the Franchisee Disclosure Acknowledgement. The document explicitly states that the acknowledgement should not be completed if the franchise sale is subject to state franchise disclosure laws in Maryland.
Furthermore, the FDD directly instructs that if the Carvel franchise is to be operated in Maryland, the franchisee should not sign the acknowledgement. This instruction is in place to ensure compliance with Maryland's franchise registration and disclosure laws, which provide specific protections and rights to franchisees within the state.
This exemption from signing the Franchisee Disclosure Acknowledgement is a notable benefit for Carvel franchisees in Maryland, as it simplifies the initial paperwork and potentially avoids any conflicts with state-specific franchise regulations. Franchisees should ensure they understand their rights and obligations under Maryland law, as outlined in the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law.