Under what grounds can a Cinnabon franchisee terminate the franchise agreement in Washington?

According to Cinnabon's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee in Washington can terminate the franchise agreement based on any grounds permitted under state law. This is specified in the Washington Addendum to the Franchise Disclosure Document. This means that the franchisee's ability to terminate the agreement is not solely dictated by the terms outlined in the franchise agreement itself, but also by the broader protections and rights afforded to them under Washington state law.

This provision ensures that Cinnabon franchisees operating in Washington are not bound by franchise agreement terms that may conflict with or undermine their rights under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act. The addendum explicitly states that the provisions of this act will prevail in the event of any conflict of laws. Furthermore, the Franchisee Bill of Rights, as outlined in RCW 19.100.180, may supersede provisions in the franchise agreement concerning the relationship between the franchisee and Cinnabon, particularly in areas such as termination and renewal.

Prospective Cinnabon franchisees in Washington should carefully review the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act to understand their rights and the grounds for termination available to them under state law. They should also be aware that court decisions may further supersede the franchise agreement, providing additional protections or grounds for termination. This addendum serves to reinforce that franchise agreements are subject to state law, offering franchisees an additional layer of protection beyond the contractual terms.