Does the Cinnaholic General Release cover unknown claims?
Cinnaholic Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| This General Release is made effective this day of , 20 In consideration for the grant by CINNAHOLIC FRANCHISING, LLC, a Georgia Limited Liability Company ("CINNAHOLIC®"), to the undersigned of certain rights in connection with the operation of a CINNAHOLIC bakery and/or the transfer or renewal thereof, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the undersigned, individually and collectively, hereby unconditionally release, discharge, and acquit CINNAHOLIC, its past and present subsidiaries and affiliates, and its and their shareholders, owners, directors, officers, managers, members, partners, employees, agents, representatives, successors and assigns, from any and all liabilities, damages, claims, demands, costs, expenses, debts, indemnities, suits, disputes, controversies, actions and causes of action of any kind whatsoever, whether known or unknown, fixed or contingent, regarding or arising out of any prior or existing franchise relationship, development agreement, franchise agreement or any other agreement executed by any of the undersigned and CINNAHOLIC (or any subsidiary or affiliate of CINNAHOLIC®), any CINNAHOLIC® Bakery (whether currently or previously owned or operated by the undersigned or any of them), or any other prior or existing business relationship between any of the undersigned and CINNAHOLIC® (or any subsidiary or affiliate of CINNAHOLIC®), which the undersigned or any of them individually or collectively has asserted, may have asserted or could have asserted against CINNAHOLIC® (or any of the aforementioned related parties) at any time up to the date of this General Release, including specifically, without limitation, claims arising from contract, written or oral communications, alleged misrepresentations, and acts of negligence, whether active or passive. This General Release shall survive the assignment or termination of any of the franchise agreements or other documents entered into by and between CINNAHOLIC and any of the undersigned. This General Release is not intended as a waiver of those rights of the undersigned which cannot be waived under applicable state |
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| franchise |
| laws |
| nor |
| is |
| it intended to relieve CINNAHOLIC or any other person, directly or indirectly, from |
| liability |
| imposed |
| by |
| the |
| Maryland |
| Franchise |
| Registration |
| and |
| Disclosure Law. This General Release shall |
| be |
| governed |
| by and construed |
| in accordance |
| with |
| the |
| laws |
| of the State |
| of Georgia without regard |
| to |
| its |
| conflicts of law provisions. |
| WITNESS: |
| Corporate Name |
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 61–62)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cinnaholic's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the General Release includes a release of unknown claims. The General Release states that the franchisee is releasing Cinnaholic from any and all liabilities, damages, claims, demands, costs, expenses, debts, indemnities, suits, disputes, controversies, actions, and causes of action of any kind whatsoever, whether known or unknown. This release extends to Cinnaholic and its subsidiaries, affiliates, shareholders, owners, directors, officers, managers, members, partners, employees, agents, representatives, successors, and assigns.
In practical terms, this means that a franchisee is waiving their right to sue Cinnaholic for any claims they may not even be aware of at the time of signing the release. This could include potential future claims arising from the franchise relationship, development agreement, franchise agreement, or any other agreement with Cinnaholic. The release specifically mentions claims arising from contract, written or oral communications, alleged misrepresentations, and acts of negligence, whether active or passive.
However, the General Release also states that it is not intended as a waiver of those rights of the undersigned which cannot be waived under applicable state franchise laws nor is it intended to relieve Cinnaholic or any other person, directly or indirectly, from liability imposed by the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law. The General Release is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia without regard to its conflicts of law provisions. Prospective franchisees should consult with a legal professional to fully understand the implications of this General Release and how it applies to their specific situation and state laws.