Other than the Federal Arbitration Act, what state's laws govern the Kitchen Solvers agreement?
Kitchen_Solvers Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Illinois law governs the Franchise Agreement.
Section 4 of the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act provides that any provision in a franchise agreement that designates jurisdiction or venue outside the State of Illinois is void. However, a franchise agreement may provide for arbitration outside of Illinois.
Section 41 of the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act provides that any condition, stipulation or provision purporting to bind any person acquiring any franchise to waive compliance with the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act or any other law of Illinois is void.
Your rights upon termination and non-renewal of a franchise agreement are set forth in section 19 and 20 of the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 49–190)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Kitchen Solvers' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchise agreement is governed by Illinois law. Specifically, for franchisees in Illinois, the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act applies. This means that the terms and conditions of the franchise agreement are interpreted and enforced in accordance with Illinois state law.
This is significant for prospective Kitchen Solvers franchisees in Illinois because it ensures that their rights and obligations under the franchise agreement are protected by Illinois law. For example, any provision in the agreement that designates jurisdiction or venue outside of Illinois is void, although arbitration outside of Illinois is permitted. Additionally, any attempt to waive compliance with the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act or any other Illinois law is also void.
Kitchen Solvers franchisees in Illinois also have specific rights regarding termination and non-renewal of the franchise agreement, as outlined in sections 19 and 20 of the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act. Furthermore, the Illinois Attorney General's Office has imposed a requirement on Kitchen Solvers to defer the collection of any initial franchise fees or development fees until the franchisor has fulfilled its pre-opening obligations and the franchisee has commenced business operations, due to the franchisor's financial condition.