How are disputes resolved with Kitchen Solvers?
Kitchen_Solvers Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Provision | Section in Franchise Agreement (FA) | Summary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| u. | Dispute resolution by arbitration or mediation | FA: Paragraph 13A | Except for certain claims, all disputes must be mediated and arbitrated where our then-current headquarters is located, which is currently La Crosse, Wisconsin (subject to state law). |
| v. | Choice of forum | FA: Paragraph 16I | Subject to the arbitration provisions, litigation must be brought in the Federal District Court for the District of Wisconsin or in La Crosse County District Court, La Crosse, Wisconsin (subject to state law). |
Source: Item 17 — Renewal, Termination, Transfer, and Dispute Resolution (FDD pages 36–40)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Kitchen Solvers' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, dispute resolution is addressed in Paragraph 13A of the Franchise Agreement. Except for certain claims, all disputes between Kitchen Solvers and the franchisee must be resolved through mediation and arbitration. These proceedings will take place at Kitchen Solvers' headquarters, which is currently located in La Crosse, Wisconsin. It is important to note that these dispute resolution processes are subject to state law.
This means that if a franchisee has a disagreement with Kitchen Solvers, they will generally be required to attempt to resolve it through mediation and arbitration before pursuing litigation. Mediation involves a neutral third party helping the franchisee and Kitchen Solvers reach a mutually agreeable solution. Arbitration involves presenting the dispute to a neutral arbitrator who will make a binding decision. The location of these proceedings in La Crosse, Wisconsin, could present a logistical and financial burden for franchisees located elsewhere.
It is also important to note the exceptions to this dispute resolution process, as certain claims may not be subject to mediation and arbitration. The FDD does not specify what these claims are, so a prospective franchisee should seek clarification from Kitchen Solvers regarding the types of claims that are excluded from the mediation and arbitration requirements. Additionally, any litigation, if it occurs, must be brought in the Federal District Court for the District of Wisconsin or in La Crosse County District Court, La Crosse, Wisconsin, as stated in Paragraph 16I of the Franchise Agreement.