Does registration of Chocolate Fish Coffee franchises in Minnesota constitute approval by the Commissioner of Commerce?

According to Chocolate Fish Coffee's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, Exhibit E lists state administrators and agents for service of process. It indicates that Chocolate Fish Coffee may register its Disclosure Document in some or all of the listed states in accordance with applicable state law. The exhibit specifies that if and when Chocolate Fish Coffee pursues franchise registration or otherwise complies with franchise investment laws in these states, the listing will include the state administrators responsible for the review, registration, and oversight of franchises in each state, as well as the state offices or officials designated as agents for service of process in those states.

However, the document does not explicitly state whether registration in Minnesota constitutes approval by the Commissioner of Commerce. This means that while Chocolate Fish Coffee may register in Minnesota, the FDD does not confirm that this registration implies direct endorsement or approval by the state's Commissioner of Commerce.

A prospective franchisee should directly verify with Chocolate Fish Coffee whether registration in Minnesota is equivalent to an endorsement or approval by the Commissioner of Commerce. It would also be prudent to contact the Minnesota state franchise regulatory authority directly to confirm the legal implications of franchise registration within that state.