Does the Crave Cookies agreement allow for a waiver of a jury trial in Minnesota?
Crave_Cookies Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
In the State of Minnesota only, this Disclosure Document is amended as follows:
- Minnesota Statutes, Section 80C.21 and Minnesota Rules 2860.4400(J) prohibit the franchisor from requiring litigation to be conducted outside Minnesota, requiring waiver of a jury trial, or requiring the franchisee to consent to liquidated damages, termination penalties or judgment notes. In addition, nothing in the Franchise Disclosure Document or agreement(s) can abrogate or reduce (1) any of the franchisee's rights as provided for in Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 80C or (2) franchisee's rights to any procedure, forum, or remedies provided for by the laws of the jurisdiction.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 47–194)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Crave Cookies FDD, the Minnesota Addendum explicitly addresses the issue of waiving a jury trial. It states that Minnesota Statutes prohibit Crave Cookies from requiring franchisees to waive their right to a jury trial. This means that the standard franchise agreement cannot force a Minnesota franchisee to give up their right to have a jury decide any legal disputes.
This protection is significant for prospective Crave Cookies franchisees in Minnesota. It ensures they retain the right to a jury trial, which is a fundamental aspect of the legal system. Franchisees do not have to worry about unknowingly signing away this right in the franchise agreement.
This provision is specific to Minnesota due to state-specific franchise laws. Franchisees in other states may not have the same protection, so it's essential to review the addenda for their specific state to understand their rights. Crave Cookies must comply with Minnesota law, which aims to protect franchisees' legal rights within the state.