Does the Hardees franchise agreement contain any provisions that prohibit a franchisee from communicating with or complaining to regulators?
Hardees Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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- Prohibitions on Communicating with Regulators. Any provision in the franchise agreement or related agreements that prohibits the franchisee from communicating with or complaining to regulators is
inconsistent with the express instructions in the Franchise Disclosure Document and is unlawful under RCW 19.100.180(2)(h).
Source: Item 20 — OUTLETS AND FRANCHISEE INFORMATION (FDD pages 71–84)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Hardees Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchise agreement cannot contain provisions that prohibit a franchisee from communicating with or complaining to regulators, at least for franchisees in Washington state. The addendum for Washington franchisees specifically addresses this issue, stating that any such provisions are inconsistent with the Franchise Disclosure Document and unlawful under Washington law.
This protection for franchisees in Washington ensures they can freely communicate with regulatory bodies without fear of reprisal from Hardees. This is particularly important for addressing concerns related to franchise operations, compliance, or potential violations of state or federal laws.
It is important to note that this specific protection is explicitly mentioned for Washington franchisees. The FDD does not specify whether similar protections exist for franchisees in other states. Prospective franchisees should review the specific addenda for their state and consult with a franchise attorney to understand their rights regarding communication with regulators.