Under the Chatime franchise agreement, what information is required for the Franchisor's signature?
Chatime Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
In recognition of the requirements of the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act of 1987, the parties to the Chatime Franchise, LLC Franchise Agreement (the "Franchise Agreement") agree as follows:
-
- Illinois law governs the Franchise Agreement.
-
- In conformance with §4 of the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act, any provision in a franchise agreement that designates jurisdiction or venue in a forum outside the State of Illinois is void. However, a franchise agreement may provide for arbitration to take place outside of Illinois.
-
- Your rights upon Termination and Non-Renewal are set forth in §§19 and 20 of the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act.
-
- In conformance with §41 of the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act, any condition, stipulation, or provision purporting to bind any person acquiring any franchise to waive compliance with the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act or any other law of Illinois is void.
-
- No statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgement signed or agreed to by a franchisee in connection with the commencement of the franchise relationship shall have the effect of (i) waiving any claims under any applicable state franchise law, including fraud in the inducement, or (ii) disclaiming reliance on any statement made by any franchisor, franchise seller, or other person acting on behalf of the franchisor. This provision supersedes any other term of any document executed in connection with the franchise.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed, sealed, and delivered this Amendment to the Franchise Agreement on the same date as that on which the Franchise Agreement was executed.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 58–262)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Chatime Franchise Disclosure Document, the Illinois Amendment to the Chatime Franchise Agreement states that the parties involved must execute, seal, and deliver the amendment on the same date as the Franchise Agreement. This indicates that the franchisor's signature must be included, along with the date of signing, to demonstrate agreement and adherence to the terms outlined in the amendment.
This requirement ensures that both Chatime and the franchisee are legally bound by the updated terms and conditions specified in the Illinois Amendment. By signing and dating the amendment, both parties acknowledge their understanding and acceptance of the modifications made to the original Franchise Agreement. This process helps to avoid potential disputes or misunderstandings regarding the applicability and enforcement of the amended terms.
For a prospective Chatime franchisee in Illinois, this means that they should carefully review the Illinois Amendment along with the Franchise Agreement and ensure that both documents are properly signed and dated by all relevant parties. This step is crucial for establishing a legally sound and mutually agreed-upon franchise relationship. Franchisees should also retain copies of these signed documents for their records to reference in case of any future questions or concerns.