Does the Chicken Guy franchise agreement addendum for Minnesota franchisees allow for litigation to be conducted outside of Minnesota?
Chicken_Guy Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Minnesota Statute § 80C.21 and Minnesota Rule 2860.4400J prohibit Chicken Guy from requiring litigation to be conducted outside Minnesota. In addition, nothing in the disclosure document or agreements can abrogate or reduce any of Franchisee's rights as provided for in Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 80C, or Franchisee's rights to any procedure, forum, or remedies provided for by the laws of the jurisdiction.
Source: Item 17 — RENEWAL, TERMINATION, TRANSFER AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION (FDD pages 40–46)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Chicken Guy's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchise agreement addendum for Minnesota franchisees addresses the location of litigation. Specifically, Minnesota Statute § 80C.21 and Minnesota Rule 2860.4400J prohibit Chicken Guy from requiring that litigation be conducted outside of Minnesota. This protection is explicitly included in the addendum to reinforce the franchisee's rights under Minnesota law.
This provision ensures that Minnesota franchisees are not forced to litigate disputes in a potentially distant or inconvenient forum. It also confirms that no part of the disclosure document or agreements can diminish any of the franchisee's rights as provided by Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 80C, or their rights to any procedure, forum, or remedies available under Minnesota law.
For a prospective Chicken Guy franchisee in Minnesota, this is a significant benefit. It means that any legal disputes with the franchisor are likely to be resolved within the state, under Minnesota law, which can reduce legal costs and provide a more familiar legal environment. This clause strengthens the franchisee's position by ensuring that their legal rights and access to local remedies are protected.