For a Floyds 99 franchise in Washington, is the mediation site always in the state of Washington?
Floyds_99 Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
In any arbitration or mediation involving a franchise purchased in Washington, the arbitration or mediation site will be either in the state of Washington, or in a place mutually agreed upon at the time of the arbitration or mediation, or as determined by the arbitrator or mediator at the time of arbitration 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 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 58–229)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Floyds 99 Franchise Disclosure Document, for franchises purchased in Washington, the mediation or arbitration site will be in Washington state. However, there are exceptions. The location can be a place mutually agreed upon at the time of the arbitration or mediation, or as determined by the arbitrator or mediator at the time of arbitration or mediation.
This means that while the default location for mediation or arbitration is Washington, there is room for negotiation or for the arbitrator/mediator to decide on a different location. This could be beneficial if, for example, key witnesses or evidence are located outside of Washington, or if a neutral location is preferred by both parties.
Additionally, the FDD states that 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. This provides an additional layer of protection for franchisees in Washington, ensuring they have the option to pursue legal action within the state under certain circumstances.