As of May 31, 2024, what does an asterisk (*) indicate next to a Dickeys Barbecue Pit franchisee's name?

According to the 2024 Dickeys Barbecue Pit Franchise Disclosure Document, an asterisk next to a franchisee's name on the Developer Questionnaire indicates that the questionnaire should not be signed if the individual is a resident of California or Maryland, or if the franchise is to be operated in either of those states. This is highlighted in Attachment C of the FDD.

This instruction suggests that there may be specific legal or regulatory requirements in California and Maryland that necessitate a different process or additional disclosures for prospective franchisees or developers. Dickeys Barbecue Pit appears to be singling out these states, implying that the standard Developer Questionnaire is insufficient to meet the legal requirements there.

For a prospective franchisee, this means that if they reside in or plan to operate a Dickeys Barbecue Pit in California or Maryland, they should not complete the standard Developer Questionnaire. Instead, they should expect a different set of documents or procedures tailored to comply with the specific franchise laws of those states. It would be prudent for potential franchisees in these states to seek legal counsel to ensure full compliance with all applicable regulations before signing any agreements.