For Crave Cookies, what is the status of the franchise registration in the state of Washington?
Crave_Cookies Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
The following states have franchise laws that require that the Franchise Disclosure Document be registered or filed with the states, or be exempt from registration: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
This document is effective and may be used in the following states, where the document is filed, registered, or exempt from registration, as of the Effective Date stated below:
WASHINGTON FRANCHISE DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT AND FRANCHISE AGREEMENT ADDENDUM
In the event of a conflict of laws, the provisions of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, Chapter 19.100 RCW will prevail.
RCW 19.100.180 may supersede the franchise agreement in your relationship with the franchisor including the areas of termination and renewal of your franchise. There may also be court decisions which may supersede the franchise agreement in your relationship with the franchisor including the areas of termination and renewal of your franchise.
No statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgment signed or agreed to by a franchisee in connection with the commencement of the franchise relationship shall have the effect of (i) waiving any claims under any applicable state franchise law, including fraud in the inducement, or (ii) disclaiming reliance on any statement made by any franchisor, franchise seller, or other person acting on behalf of the franchisor. This provision supersedes any other term of any document executed in connection with the franchise.
Amendments. Franchise Disclosure Document is amended to comply with the following:
(1) Section 6, Note 1 of the Franchise Disclosure Document is amended as follows:
Invalid Statements in the State of Washington. If the Franchisor omitted material information or made certain representations, promises, guarantees or warranties outside of the FDD, it may give rise to a claim under chapter 19.100 RCW. Further, franchisees cannot waive any such claims pursuant to RCW 19.100.220. As such, we believe that it may not be in "good faith" in accordance with RCW 19.100.180(1) to include provisions that may be prohibited under Washington law. As such, the following statements do not apply to Washington Franchisees:
- (1) Section 5.4(c) of the Franchise Agreement:
- "Franchisee acknowledges that Crave Cookies Franchising accepts no responsibility for the performance of the business."
- (2) Section 6.1(iii) of the Franchise Agreement:
- "... Crave Cookies has no liability to Franchisee with respect to the location of the Business."
- (3) Article 19 of the Franchise Agreement does not apply in the State of Washington.
In any litigation or mediation involving a franchise purchased in Washington, the litigation or mediation site will be either in the state of Washington, or in a place mutually agreed upon at the time of the litigation or mediation, or as determined by the court or mediator at the time of litigation or mediation. In addition, if litigation is not precluded by the franchise agreement, a franchisee may bring an action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with the sale of franchises, or a violation of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, in Washington.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 47–194)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Crave Cookies' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Washington is one of the states that requires franchise registration or filing. The FDD includes a specific addendum for Washington franchisees to comply with the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act. This addendum highlights that the state's franchise laws may supersede certain provisions of the standard franchise agreement, particularly concerning termination and renewal.
Specifically, the Crave Cookies FDD notes that statements, questionnaires, or acknowledgments signed by a franchisee cannot waive claims under Washington's franchise law, including those related to fraud. Certain clauses within the standard Franchise Agreement are deemed inapplicable to Washington franchisees, such as those limiting Crave Cookies' responsibility for the business's performance or location. Any litigation or mediation involving a Crave Cookies franchise in Washington will occur within the state, unless otherwise agreed upon.
These stipulations indicate that Crave Cookies recognizes and complies with Washington's franchise regulations, providing additional protections to franchisees operating in that state. Prospective franchisees in Washington should carefully review the Washington addendum and understand their rights under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act. They should also consult with a legal professional to ensure full comprehension of the implications of these state-specific regulations on their franchise agreement with Crave Cookies.