In a Coffee News arbitration, can the arbitrator award relief at law?
Coffee_News Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
nchisor's request, the arbitrator shall require Franchisee to produce all books and records of the Franchisee's business for Franchisor's examination and use as evidence in the arbitration. The arbitrator shall have the authority to award all relief at law or equity but shall not have the authority to award exemplary or punitive damages. The award and decision of the arbitrator shall be conclusive and binding upon the parties and judgment upon the award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction identified in paragraph 16.2 above, including an order pursuant to an opinion of the arbitrator for specific performance of an
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 36–118)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Coffee News Franchise Disclosure Document, in arbitration proceedings, the arbitrator has the authority to award all relief at law or equity. However, the arbitrator does not have the authority to award exemplary or punitive damages.
This means that a Coffee News franchisee can potentially obtain legal or equitable remedies through arbitration for disputes arising under the Franchise Agreement. Relief at law typically involves monetary damages to compensate for losses, while relief in equity involves non-monetary remedies such as specific performance or injunctive relief.
It is important to note that the arbitrator's authority is limited, as they cannot award exemplary or punitive damages, which are intended to punish the wrongdoer. The arbitrator cannot add, delete, modify, or amend any of the terms of the Coffee News Franchise Agreement.