Where will mediation be conducted for a Crave Cookies franchise dispute?

According to Crave Cookies's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, mediation will be conducted in the city and state of Crave Cookies Franchising's headquarters. This means that if a dispute arises between a franchisee and Crave Cookies that requires mediation, the franchisee will be required to travel to the location of Crave Cookies's headquarters for the mediation proceedings.

This requirement could present a significant cost and inconvenience for franchisees, especially those located far from Crave Cookies's headquarters. Franchisees will be responsible for their own travel expenses and potentially legal representation in the city and state where Crave Cookies's headquarters is located. This could create a financial disadvantage for the franchisee in the mediation process.

It is important to note that the FDD also mentions that the face-to-face meeting between the franchisee and Crave Cookies will also take place at Crave Cookies's headquarters. This initial meeting is a prerequisite to mediation, unless waived by Crave Cookies. Therefore, a franchisee should be prepared to make multiple trips to Crave Cookies's headquarters during the dispute resolution process.

Prospective franchisees should consider the potential costs and logistical challenges associated with this requirement when evaluating the Crave Cookies franchise opportunity. It would be prudent to inquire about the current location of Crave Cookies's headquarters and factor in potential travel expenses when assessing the overall investment.