Is there an exception to the requirement that a Cordova franchisee comply with all laws?
Cordova Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| v. Choice of forum | 18.G. | Except for certain claims for injunctive relief, all litigation |
|---|---|---|
| proceedings must be conducted in the appropriate State or Federal | ||
| Court within or closest to either Douglas County, Nebraska or the | ||
| State or Federal Court nearest to our corporate headquarters at the | ||
| time such action is commenced. This provision is subject to | ||
| applicable state law. | ||
| w. Choice of law | 18.F. | Nebraska law will govern. However, this provision is subject to |
| state law and as otherwise disclosed in Exhibit I to this Disclosure | ||
| Document. | ||
| Business; timely develop and open your Cordova | ||
| Business; | ||
| operate | ||
| your | ||
| Cordova | ||
| Business | ||
| in | ||
| accordance | ||
| with | ||
| the | ||
| specifications, standards, and requirements set forth in our | ||
| Manuals; develop or operate your Cordova | ||
| Business in | ||
| compliance with all federal, state, and local laws, rules, and | ||
| regulations, unless, such violation poses a threat to public health | ||
| or safety; maintain insurance coverage that we require; comply | ||
| with our standards, systems or specifications as we may designate | ||
| or as otherwise designated in the operations manual; fail to | ||
| operate your Cordova | ||
| Business in conformity with our System or | ||
| otherwise violate the Franchise Agreement, except as to events of | ||
| default that are not curable. |
Source: Item 17 — RENEWAL, TERMINATION, TRANSFER AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION (FDD pages 33–37)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cordova's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee must generally operate their Cordova business in compliance with all federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations. However, there is an exception to this requirement.
The exception states that a franchisee does not need to comply with laws, rules, and regulations if such violation poses a threat to public health or safety. This suggests that Cordova prioritizes public health and safety over strict legal compliance in certain situations.
This exception could be relevant in emergency situations or when strict adherence to a law might create a greater risk to the public. However, it is important to note that this exception is narrowly defined. Franchisees should seek legal counsel to fully understand the implications of this clause and to determine when it is appropriate to deviate from legal requirements.