Are there any exceptions to the rule that a release or waiver of rights is void for a Cinnaholic franchise?
Cinnaholic Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
R: | | | CINNAHOLIC FRANCHISING, LLC | If an Individual: | | | By: Print Name: Title: | Signature: Print Name: If other than an Individual: | | | | By: Name: Title: | |Schedule 1 General Release
(See Attached)
GENERAL RELEASE
| 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 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 any CINNAHOLIC Bakery (whether currently or of them), or any other prior or existing business relationship between any of the undersigned and CINNAHOLIC (or any subsidiary or affiliate individually or collectively has asserted, may have (or any of the 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 franchise laws nor is it intended to relieve CINNAHOLIC or any other person, 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: | the operation of a CINNAHOLIC Bakery and/or the undersigned and CINNAHOLIC (or any subsidiary or affiliate of CINNAHOLIC), previously owned or operated by the undersigned or any of CINNAHOLIC), which the undersigned or any of them asserted or could have asserted against CINNAHOLIC aforementioned related parties) at any time up to the date of this General Release, including directly or indirectly, from liability imposed by the |
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Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 61–62)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cinnaholic's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the general release provided does not waive rights that cannot be waived under applicable state franchise laws. Additionally, the release is not intended to relieve Cinnaholic from liability imposed by the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law.
This means that while franchisees are generally releasing Cinnaholic from various claims and liabilities related to the franchise agreement, this release has some limitations. Franchisees retain any rights that state franchise laws specifically protect and cannot be waived. Also, Cinnaholic remains liable under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law, regardless of the general release.
Prospective franchisees should be aware of these exceptions and understand that the general release they sign has limits. They should consult with a legal professional to fully understand their rights and obligations under the franchise agreement and applicable state laws. This is especially important for franchisees in Maryland or those concerned about rights that may be protected by state franchise laws.