Can a Chesters franchisee in Washington disclaim reliance on statements made by Chesters or its representatives through a signed questionnaire or acknowledgment?
Chesters Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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- Questionnaires and Acknowledgments. No statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgment 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.
Source: Item 23 — **RECEIPTS (FDD pages 48–197)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Chesters's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee is opening a location in Washington, they cannot disclaim reliance on statements made by Chesters or its representatives through a signed questionnaire or acknowledgment. This protection is explicitly stated in the Washington Addendum, which modifies the franchise agreement for franchisees in Washington.
Specifically, any statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgment signed by a Chesters franchisee in Washington cannot waive claims under Washington's franchise law, including claims related to fraud in the inducement. It also cannot disclaim reliance on statements made by Chesters, franchise sellers, or anyone acting on Chesters's behalf. This provision overrides any conflicting terms in any document related to the franchise agreement.
This means that Chesters franchisees in Washington retain their legal rights to pursue claims based on misrepresentations or fraudulent statements, even if they have signed documents that appear to waive those rights. This addendum ensures that franchisees in Washington are protected by state franchise laws and can hold Chesters accountable for the accuracy and truthfulness of their statements.