Does the City Wide release agreement constitute an admission of liability or wrongdoing by any party?

According to the 2025 City Wide Franchise Disclosure Document, the release agreement does not constitute an admission of liability or wrongdoing by any party. The document explicitly states that nothing within the release agreement should be interpreted as an admission of liability or wrongdoing. This clause protects both the franchisee and City Wide from any implication that signing the release indicates fault or responsibility for any past issues or disputes.

This provision is a standard legal protection in franchise agreements. It ensures that the act of releasing claims does not, in itself, create an admission of guilt or responsibility. This is particularly important in situations where a franchisee is transferring their franchise or resolving disputes with City Wide, as it allows both parties to move forward without the risk of the release being used against them in future legal proceedings.

However, the FDD also notes an important exception: the release does not waive any liability City Wide may have under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, RCW 19.100, and its associated rules. This means that franchisees in Washington State retain their rights and protections under that specific law, regardless of the general release agreement. Prospective franchisees should carefully review the release agreement and understand its implications, especially in light of any state-specific exceptions.