Under what conditions can a Chesters franchisee bring an action in Washington?

According to Chesters's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee in Washington may bring an action or proceeding against Chesters under specific conditions. If the franchise agreement does not preclude litigation, a franchisee can initiate legal action in Washington if it arises from the sale of the franchise or involves a violation of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act.

This provision ensures that Chesters franchisees in Washington have a legal avenue to address grievances related to franchise sales practices or violations of state franchise laws. The ability to bring an action is contingent on the franchise agreement not explicitly prohibiting litigation, which is a critical point for prospective franchisees to verify during their due diligence.

This protection is further reinforced by the Washington Addendum, which states that the provisions of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act will prevail in the event of any conflict of laws. This means that Washington franchisees have the right to rely on Washington law in disputes with Chesters, regardless of what the franchise agreement might otherwise state. Chesters franchisees should consult with legal counsel to fully understand their rights under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act.