Does the Cordova Franchise Agreement include a State Specific Addenda?
Cordova Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
List of State Administrators F.
List of Franchisees B.
List of Agents for Service of Process G.
List of Franchisees Who Have Left the System C.
Operations Manual Table of Contents H.
State Specific Addenda D.
Financial Statements I.
State Effective Dates E.
Franchise Agreement J.
Receipts 7.F.
APPROVED 26 SERVICES, PRODUCTS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIERS 7.G.
MARKET 27 RESEARCH AND TESTING 7.H.
COMPLIANCE 28 WITH LAWS AND GOOD BUSINESS PRACTICES 7.I.
MANAGEMENT 29 OF THE FRANCHISED BUSINESS 7.J.
REMEDIES 29 FOR NON-COMPLIANCE WITH OPERATIONAL STANDARDS 8.
INSURANCE 30 9.
BRAND DEVELOPMENT AND MARKETING 30 9.A.
BRAND 30 DEVELOPMENT FUND 9.B.
LOCAL 33 MARKETING 9.C.
ADVERTISING 34 COOPERATIVE 9.D.
REQUIRED 35 APPROVAL OF ALL MARKETING 9.E.
WAIVERS 35 OR DEFERRALS 9.F.
DIGITAL 35 MEDIA AND WEBSITE PROHIBITIONS 10.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 44)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cordova's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchise agreement includes state-specific addenda. The Table of Contents for the Cordova Franchise Agreement lists "State Specific Addenda" as item H. Additionally, there is a "Washington Franchise Agreement Amendment" and a "Washington FDD Amendment" which indicates that the standard franchise agreement is modified for franchisees in Washington.
For prospective franchisees, this means that the terms of the Cordova Franchise Agreement may vary depending on the state in which the franchise is located. These addenda are designed to ensure compliance with specific state franchise laws, which can differ significantly from one state to another. It is important for franchisees to carefully review any state-specific addenda to understand how they modify the standard franchise agreement.
The Washington Franchise Agreement Amendment includes provisions regarding conflict of laws, franchisee bill of rights, site of arbitration/mediation/litigation, and general release. These provisions modify the standard agreement to align with the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act. For example, the addendum specifies that in case of a conflict of laws, the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act will prevail. Similarly, any arbitration or mediation involving a franchise purchased in Washington must take place in Washington, unless otherwise agreed upon.
Prospective Cordova franchisees should pay close attention to any state-specific addenda that apply to their location. They should also consult with an attorney experienced in franchise law to fully understand their rights and obligations under the franchise agreement and any applicable state laws. This will help ensure that they are making an informed decision and are prepared for the specific legal and regulatory environment in their state.