What is the deadline for the mediator to designate a time and place for the Kitchen Solvers mediation?
Kitchen_Solvers Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- d. Time and Place for Mediation. In consultation with the parties, the mediator shall promptly designate a mutually acceptable time and place (located in the city and state in which our then-current headquarters are located, currently La Crosse, Wisconsin) for the mediation. Unless the circumstances make it impossible, the time may not be later than thirty (30) days after the selection of the mediator.
Source: Item 22 — Contracts (FDD page 49)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Kitchen Solvers Franchise Disclosure Document, after a mediator has been selected for a dispute, they must promptly designate a mutually agreeable time and place for the mediation in consultation with both parties. Unless impossible due to circumstances, this time must be no later than 30 days after the mediator's selection. The mediation will take place in the city and state of Kitchen Solvers' headquarters, which is currently La Crosse, Wisconsin.
This means that a Kitchen Solvers franchisee involved in a dispute requiring mediation can expect the process to move relatively quickly once a mediator is chosen. The 30-day deadline ensures that the mediation is scheduled without undue delay, promoting a more efficient resolution process.
However, the FDD also states that the time and place must be "mutually acceptable", so the franchisee has some influence over the scheduling. If an agreement cannot be reached, it is not clear what the next steps would be. The franchisee should clarify with Kitchen Solvers what recourse they have if they cannot agree on a time and place for the mediation.
It is also important to note that the mediation location is fixed in La Crosse, Wisconsin, which may require the franchisee to travel, incurring additional expenses. Franchisees should factor in these potential travel costs when considering the implications of the mediation process.