What does Minnesota law prohibit Chicken Guy from requiring regarding litigation venue?

According to Chicken Guy's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Minnesota Statute § 80C.21 and Minnesota Rule 2860.4400J prohibit Chicken Guy from requiring that litigation be conducted outside of Minnesota. This protection is in place if the offer or sale of a franchise was made in Minnesota, if the franchisee is a resident of Minnesota, and/or if the development territory is located in Minnesota. This stipulation is added to the end of Sections 22.C-D of the development agreement.

This means that if a Chicken Guy franchisee in Minnesota has a legal dispute with the company, they cannot be forced to travel to another state to resolve the issue in court. The legal proceedings must take place within Minnesota, providing a more convenient and cost-effective option for the franchisee. This is particularly beneficial for franchisees who may not have the resources to litigate a case in a distant location.

Furthermore, the FDD states that nothing in the disclosure document or agreements can reduce any of the franchisee's rights as provided for in Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 80C, or their rights to any procedure, forum, or remedies provided for by the laws of the jurisdiction. This ensures that Minnesota franchisees retain all the legal rights and protections afforded to them under Minnesota law, regardless of what the franchise agreement might otherwise state. This provision aims to protect franchisees from potentially overreaching or unfair terms in the franchise agreement.