Can Crave Cookies waive the requirement for a face-to-face meeting in a Dispute?
Crave_Cookies Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- (i) Face-to-Face Meeting.
The Dispute shall first be discussed in a face-to-face meeting between Franchisee and Crave Cookies Franchising at Crave Cookies Franchising's then-current headquarters.
This face-to-face meeting will be held within thirty (30) days of Franchisee or Crave Cookies Franchising providing written notice to the other requesting such meeting.
Crave Cookies Franchising has the right, in its sole discretion, to waive this requirement.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 47)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Crave Cookies' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, in the event of a dispute, the franchisee and Crave Cookies will first attempt to resolve it through a face-to-face meeting. This meeting is to take place at Crave Cookies' headquarters within 30 days of written notice from either party. However, Crave Cookies retains the sole discretion to waive this face-to-face meeting requirement.
If the face-to-face meeting does not resolve the dispute, either party can submit the matter to non-binding mediation. Unless both parties agree to waive mediation, it must occur before a legal suit can be initiated. The costs of mediation are to be split between the franchisee and Crave Cookies, although each party bears their own expenses. The mediation will take place in the city and state of Crave Cookies' headquarters.
If mediation is unsuccessful or waived, either the franchisee or Crave Cookies can start a legal proceeding. This proceeding must be initiated exclusively in the city and state where Crave Cookies' headquarters is located. The prevailing party in any such suit is entitled to receive payment for costs and expenses, including attorney's fees and court costs, from the non-prevailing party.