Does the Chicken Guy franchise agreement allow for a waiver of a jury trial?
Chicken_Guy Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
SUBJECT TO THE PARTIES' ARBITRATION OBLIGATIONS, FRANCHISEE AND CHICKEN GUY WAIVE, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE RIGHT TO BRING, OR BE A CLASS MEMBER IN, ANY CLASS ACTION SUITS.
Source: Item 17 — RENEWAL, TERMINATION, TRANSFER AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION (FDD pages 40–46)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Chicken Guy Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchise agreement includes a waiver of jury trial. Specifically, Chicken Guy and the franchisee both waive their rights to bring or be a class member in any class action suits, to the fullest extent permitted by law. This waiver is subject to the parties' arbitration obligations.
This means that franchisees may be giving up their right to a jury trial in certain legal disputes with Chicken Guy, agreeing instead to resolve disputes through arbitration or other means. Arbitration is a common alternative dispute resolution method in franchising, often favored for its speed and lower cost compared to traditional litigation. However, it also means franchisees may have limited avenues for appeal compared to court decisions.
It is important for prospective Chicken Guy franchisees to understand the implications of waiving their right to a jury trial. They should carefully review the dispute resolution section of the franchise agreement and consider seeking legal advice to fully understand their rights and obligations. The phrase "to the fullest extent permitted by law" suggests that the waiver may not be enforceable in all situations or jurisdictions, so franchisees should be aware of the laws in their specific state.