Where will arbitration or mediation take place for a Chesters franchise purchased in Washington?

According to the 2025 Chesters Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee purchases a Chesters franchise in Washington, the arbitration or mediation site will be in the state of Washington. However, the location can also be a place mutually agreed upon at the time of the arbitration or mediation. The arbitrator or mediator can also determine the location at the time of arbitration or mediation.

This means that franchisees who purchase a Chesters franchise in Washington have some protection regarding where they may be required to participate in arbitration or mediation. It prevents Chesters from forcing a franchisee to travel to a distant or inconvenient location for dispute resolution. This can save the franchisee significant costs in travel and legal fees.

It is important to note that the final location of the arbitration or mediation can be determined in a few different ways. The franchisee and Chesters can come to a mutual agreement, or the arbitrator or mediator can make the determination. This provides some flexibility but also introduces the possibility that the franchisee may not get their preferred location, even if it is within Washington state. Franchisees should consider this when evaluating the franchise agreement and potential dispute resolution costs.