What is the deadline for the arbitrators to make a decision after the hearing is complete for Craters & Freighters?
Craters_Freighters Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
All decisions by the arbitrators will be made in writing not later
than ten (10) days after the hearing is complete. Any judgment may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction; provided, however, the entering of any judgment will not prohibit Franchisor from applying for injunctive relief or other relief to any court having jurisdiction.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 49–50)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Craters & Freighters' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, all decisions by the arbitrators must be made in writing no later than ten days after the hearing is complete. This applies to any disputes that proceed to arbitration as outlined in the franchise agreement.
This means that once the arbitration hearing concludes, the arbitrators have a strict deadline to provide their written decision. This provision aims to ensure a relatively quick resolution to disputes, preventing them from dragging on indefinitely. For a franchisee, this offers a degree of certainty and predictability in the dispute resolution process.
It is important to note that while the arbitrators must make their decision within this timeframe, either Craters & Freighters or the franchisee can still apply for injunctive relief or other relief from a court, regardless of the arbitration decision. This suggests that the arbitration process may not be the final word in all disputes, particularly those where immediate action is required to prevent harm.