In Maryland, do representations in the Franchise Questionnaire completed by prospective Chop5 Salad Kitchen franchisees act as a release of any liability incurred under the Maryland Franchise Law?
Chop5_Salad_Kitchen Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
The Franchise Questionnaire that you completed in connection with your application for the franchise requires you, as a prospective franchisee, to disclaim the occurrence and/or acknowledge the nonoccurrence of acts that would constitute a violation of the Maryland Franchise Law as a condition to your purchase of the franchise. Any such representations are not intended to nor shall they act as a release, estoppel or waiver of any liability incurred under the Maryland Franchise Law.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 50–178)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to the 2024 Chop5 Salad Kitchen Franchise Disclosure Document, representations made by prospective franchisees in the Franchise Questionnaire do not act as a release, estoppel, or waiver of any liability incurred under the Maryland Franchise Law. This protection is specifically addressed in an amendment to the franchise agreement for franchisees in Maryland.
The Franchise Questionnaire requires prospective Chop5 Salad Kitchen franchisees to either disclaim the occurrence or acknowledge the non-occurrence of actions that could be construed as violations of the Maryland Franchise Law. Despite these representations, the document explicitly states that these representations are not intended to, and will not, act as a release, estoppel, or waiver of liability under the Maryland Franchise Law.
This provision ensures that franchisees in Maryland retain their rights and protections under state franchise law, regardless of statements made in the Franchise Questionnaire. It also reinforces that Chop5 Salad Kitchen cannot use the questionnaire to circumvent its obligations and liabilities under Maryland law.