In Minnesota, can Circle K require a franchisee to waive a jury trial?

According to Circle K's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if you are a franchisee in Minnesota, Circle K is prohibited from requiring you to waive your right to a jury trial. This protection is explicitly stated in the addendum for Minnesota, ensuring that franchisees retain their legal rights within the state. This is due to Minnesota Statutes, Section 80C.21 and Minnesota Rules 2860.4400(J). These laws prevent Circle K from enforcing mandatory jury trial waivers in its franchise agreements within the state.

This provision is significant for prospective Circle K franchisees in Minnesota because it ensures they maintain the right to a jury trial in the event of a dispute with the franchisor. Without this protection, franchisees could be forced into alternative dispute resolution methods, such as arbitration, which may not offer the same level of legal recourse as a jury trial. The Minnesota addendum also reinforces that nothing in the Franchise Disclosure Document or agreements can reduce any of the franchisee's rights as provided for in Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 80C, or their rights to any procedure, forum, or remedies provided by the laws of the jurisdiction.

This protection is part of a broader set of regulations in Minnesota designed to protect franchisees. These regulations also address issues such as termination notice, transfer rights, and the use of trademarks, all aimed at creating a fairer balance of power between Circle K and its franchisees. Prospective franchisees should carefully review the Minnesota addendum to fully understand their rights and protections under state law.