For a Kitchen Solvers franchise purchased in Washington, where will arbitration or mediation take place?
Kitchen_Solvers Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
In any arbitration or mediation involving a franchise purchased in Washington, the arbitration or mediation site will be either in the state of Washington, or in a place mutually agreed upon at the time of the arbitration or mediation, or as determined by the arbitrator or mediator at the time of arbitration or mediation. In addition, if litigation is not precluded by the franchise agreement, a franchisee may bring an action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with the sale of franchises, or a violation of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, in Washington.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 49–190)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Kitchen Solvers' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee purchases a Kitchen Solvers franchise in Washington, the arbitration or mediation site will be in the state of Washington. However, there are a couple of exceptions. The location could be a place mutually agreed upon at the time of the arbitration or mediation. Also, the arbitrator or mediator could determine the location at the time of arbitration or mediation.
This stipulation is important for prospective Kitchen Solvers franchisees in Washington because it clarifies where they may be required to participate in arbitration or mediation proceedings. It ensures that franchisees are not forced to travel to a distant or inconvenient location for dispute resolution, unless they agree to it or the arbitrator/mediator decides otherwise. This can save franchisees significant time and money in legal proceedings.
Furthermore, the FDD states that if litigation is not precluded by the franchise agreement, a franchisee may bring an action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with the sale of franchises, or a violation of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, in Washington. This provides an additional layer of protection for franchisees, allowing them to pursue legal action in their home state under certain circumstances.