How many days does a party have to resolve a dispute with City Wide before it is submitted for binding arbitration?

According to City Wide's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee or City Wide has fifteen calendar days to resolve a dispute after written notification before it is submitted for binding arbitration. This arbitration covers controversies, disputes, or claims related to the franchise agreement, the relationship between the parties, the validity of the agreement, or any operating procedures. However, disputes relating to the Marks or any lease or sublease or real estate are excluded from this arbitration clause.

This means that if a franchisee has a disagreement with City Wide, they must first attempt to resolve it informally within this 15-day period. If the issue remains unresolved, either party can then initiate binding arbitration to settle the matter. The arbitration will follow the Commercial Rules of the American Arbitration Association and will take place in Lenexa, Kansas, or another location designated by City Wide in the Kansas City, Missouri Metropolitan area.

The arbitrator's decision is binding, and judgment upon the award can be entered in a court of competent jurisdiction. The arbitrator has broad authority to grant relief, including damages, injunctive relief, and can also assess the costs of arbitration, including attorney's fees, against either party. This clause highlights the importance of attempting to resolve disputes quickly and efficiently, but also ensures that both parties have recourse to a formal arbitration process if necessary.