What agreements should I review to understand the renewal, termination, transfer, and dispute resolution terms for a Dog Haus franchise?
Dog_Haus Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
[Item 17: RENEWAL, TERMINATION, TRANSFER AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION THE FRANCHISE RELATIONSHIP]
| Section In | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Franchise | |||
| Agreement | |||
| (Exhibit A) and | |||
| in Remote | |||
| Kitchen | |||
| Addendum | |||
| Provision | (Exhibit C) | Summary | |
| i. | Franchisee's | Franchise | You must cease use of our |
| trademarks, de-identify the | |||
| obligations on | Agreement | Franchised Restaurant, pay all amounts due to us, and return the | |
| termination/ | Sections 17.1 - | Manuals. We may, at our option, assume all telephone numbers | |
| nonrenewal | 17.4, 17.7 and | for the Franchised Restaurant. You must, at our option, cancel or | |
| 17.8; Remote | assign to us your rights to any Internet websites or web pages or | ||
| Kitchen | e-mail addresses or assumed, fictitious or corporate names that | ||
| Addendum | contain the Dog Haus Marks. See also "r" below. | ||
| Section 8.1 | |||
| Post-termination obligations pursuant to Article 17 of your | |||
| Franchise Agreement. (Remote Kitchen Addendum) | |||
| k. | "Transfer" by | Franchise | Includes transfer of the Franchise Agreement or change in |
| Franchisee - definition | Agreement | ownership of the business entity that owns it. | |
| Section 14.2; | |||
| Remote Kitchen | |||
| Addendum | |||
| Article 7 | |||
| u. | Dispute resolution by | Franchise | You agree to attempt any dispute first by mediation, which will |
| arbitration or | Agreement | occur in Los Angeles, California. Mediation must be completed | |
| mediation | Sections 19.1 | within 45 days following the date either party first gives notice | |
| and 19.2 | of mediation, unless otherwise agreed in writing. The fees and | ||
| expenses of the mediator will be shared equally by you and us. | |||
| If the parties cannot resolve and settle the dispute through | |||
| mediations, all unresolved claims between you and us will be | |||
| submitted to binding arbitration, which will occur in Los | |||
| Angeles, California. The fees and expenses of the arbitrator will | |||
| be shared equally by you and us. | |||
| (subject to applicable state law) | |||
| v. | Choice of forum | Franchise | All proceedings will be held in Los Angeles County, California, |
| Agreement | subject to applicable state law. See the State Specific Addenda | ||
| Section 19.3 | (Exhibit H) attached to this Disclosure Document. |
Source: Item 17 — RENEWAL, TERMINATION, TRANSFER AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION THE FRANCHISE RELATIONSHIP (FDD pages 63–72)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Dog Haus's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Item 17 outlines key provisions related to renewal, termination, transfer, and dispute resolution. To fully understand these aspects of the franchise relationship, prospective franchisees should carefully review the Franchise Agreement (Exhibit A) and the Remote Kitchen Addendum (Exhibit C). These documents contain specific sections addressing franchisee obligations upon termination or nonrenewal, conditions for transfer, and dispute resolution processes.
Specifically, the Franchise Agreement details the obligations of the franchisee upon termination or non-renewal, including ceasing the use of Dog Haus's trademarks, de-identifying the franchised restaurant, paying all outstanding amounts, and returning the operations manuals. Dog Haus retains the option to assume telephone numbers and rights to internet websites or email addresses associated with the franchise. The agreement also defines what constitutes a 'transfer' of the franchise and outlines the conditions under which Dog Haus must approve such a transfer.
Regarding dispute resolution, the Franchise Agreement stipulates that any disputes must first be attempted through mediation in Los Angeles, California. If mediation fails, unresolved claims will be submitted to binding arbitration, also in Los Angeles. The costs of both mediation and arbitration are to be shared equally between the franchisee and Dog Haus. It is important to note that these processes are subject to applicable state laws, and franchisees should consult the State Specific Addenda (Exhibit H) for any relevant modifications.
In summary, a comprehensive understanding of a Dog Haus franchise's renewal, termination, transfer, and dispute resolution terms requires a thorough review of the Franchise Agreement (Exhibit A), the Remote Kitchen Addendum (Exhibit C) if applicable, and the State Specific Addenda (Exhibit H).