What is the effect of a franchisee signing a questionnaire in connection with the commencement of the Kitchen Solvers franchise relationship in Maryland?
Kitchen_Solvers Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
No statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgment signed or agreed to by a franchisee in connection with the commencement of the franchise relationship shall have the effect of (i) waiving and claims under any applicable state franchise law, including fraud in the inducement, or (ii) disclaiming reliance on any statement made by any franchisor, franchise seller, or other person acting on behalf of the franchisor. This provision supersedes any other term of any document executed in connection with the franchise.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 49–190)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Kitchen Solvers' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, an addendum exists for franchisees in Maryland. This addendum clarifies the impact of any statements, questionnaires, or acknowledgments signed by a franchisee when starting their Kitchen Solvers franchise. Specifically, such documents cannot waive a franchisee's rights to make claims under Maryland franchise law. This includes claims related to fraud in the inducement, or disclaiming reliance on statements made by Kitchen Solvers or its representatives.
This provision is designed to protect Kitchen Solvers franchisees in Maryland by ensuring they cannot inadvertently surrender their legal rights through standard paperwork at the beginning of the franchise relationship. It reinforces that franchisees can still pursue legal action if they believe they were misled or defrauded, regardless of any initial acknowledgments they may have signed. This protection is particularly important in franchising, where franchisees often rely heavily on the franchisor's representations.
Furthermore, the Maryland addendum emphasizes that this protection supersedes any conflicting terms in other documents related to the franchise agreement. This means that even if another part of the agreement seems to suggest a waiver of rights, the addendum's provision will take precedence, ensuring the franchisee's rights under Maryland law are preserved. This addendum aims to provide clarity and reassurance to prospective Kitchen Solvers franchisees in Maryland regarding their legal protections.