Where must a franchisee file a lawsuit against Corner Bakery Cafe?
Corner_Bakery_Cafe Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Notwithstanding the foregoing, you may bring a lawsuit in Maryland for claims arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law.
Any claims arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law must be brought within 3 years after the grant of the franchise.
Minnesota Statute § 80C.21 and Minnesota Rule 2860.4400J prohibit us from requiring litigation to be conducted outside Minnesota. In addition, nothing in the disclosure document or agreements can abrogate or reduce any of your rights as provided for in Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 80C, or your rights to any procedure, forum, or remedies provided for by the laws of the jurisdiction.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, you may bring a lawsuit in Minnesota for claims arising under the Minnesota Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law.
Minnesota Statute § 80C.17, Subdivision 5, provides that no action may be commenced pursuant to that Section more than three years after the cause of action accrues.
Section 4 of the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act provides that any provision in a franchise agreement which designates jurisdiction or venue in a forum outside of Illinois is void with respect to any cause of action which otherwise is enforceable in Illinois.
Section 27 of the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act provides that causes of action under the Act must be brought within the earlier of: 3 years of the violation, 1 year after the franchisee becomes aware of the underlying facts or circumstances or 90 days after delivery to the franchisee of a written notice disclosing the violation.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 55)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Corner Bakery Cafe Franchise Disclosure Document, the location where a franchisee must file a lawsuit against Corner Bakery Cafe depends on the state where the franchise was offered or sold. For franchisees in Maryland, an addendum to the Area Development Agreement states that a franchisee may bring a lawsuit in Maryland for claims arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law. Any claims arising under this law must be brought within 3 years after the grant of the franchise.
Similarly, for franchisees in Minnesota, an addendum specifies that Minnesota Statute § 80C.21 and Minnesota Rule 2860.4400J prohibit Corner Bakery Cafe from requiring litigation to be conducted outside Minnesota. Franchisees may bring a lawsuit in Minnesota for claims arising under the Minnesota Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law. Minnesota Statute § 80C.17, Subdivision 5, dictates that no action may be commenced pursuant to that Section more than three years after the cause of action accrues.
For franchisees in Illinois, the FDD states that Section 4 of the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act voids any provision in a franchise agreement that designates jurisdiction or venue in a forum outside of Illinois for causes of action enforceable in Illinois. Section 27 of the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act requires that causes of action under the Act must be brought within the earlier of 3 years of the violation, 1 year after the franchisee becomes aware of the underlying facts or circumstances, or 90 days after delivery to the franchisee of a written notice disclosing the violation. Therefore, franchisees in Illinois may be able to bring a lawsuit against Corner Bakery Cafe in Illinois.