Where will the mediation between Face Foundrie and the Area Developer be held if they cannot agree on a location?
Face_Foundrie Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
The mediator will select the location for the mediation, but unless Franchisor and Area Developer agree otherwise, the mediation will be held in a metropolitan area within twenty (20) miles of Franchisor's principal office.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 74–257)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Face Foundrie's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if the Area Developer and Face Foundrie cannot agree on a location for mediation, the mediator will select the location. However, unless Face Foundrie and the Area Developer agree otherwise, the mediation will be held in a metropolitan area within twenty (20) miles of Face Foundrie's principal office.
This means that a Face Foundrie Area Developer may be required to travel to the location selected by the mediator, which will likely be near Face Foundrie's headquarters if no other agreement is reached. This could present a logistical or financial burden for the Area Developer, depending on their location and the distance to Face Foundrie's principal office.
It is common in franchising for the location of mediation or arbitration to be specified in the franchise agreement, often favoring the franchisor's location. This clause ensures that Face Foundrie maintains some control over the mediation process and location, which could be advantageous in resolving disputes.