What is the mediator authorized to do in Kitchen Solvers mediation to help resolve the dispute?

According to Kitchen Solvers' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if either party to the franchise agreement believes they need information from the other party to prepare for mediation, all parties must attempt in good faith to agree on procedures for an exchange of information, with the help of the mediator if required. This means the mediator can assist in facilitating the exchange of necessary information between Kitchen Solvers and the franchisee to help them prepare for the mediation process.

This is a fairly standard clause in franchise agreements, as mediation often requires both parties to have a clear understanding of the facts and evidence related to the dispute. The mediator's role is to help the parties reach an agreement on how to share information, which can include what documents or data should be provided and the timeline for doing so.

For a prospective Kitchen Solvers franchisee, this means that if a dispute arises and mediation is pursued, the mediator can play an active role in ensuring both sides have access to the information needed to present their case effectively. However, the FDD does not specify what happens if the parties cannot agree on the exchange of information even with the mediator's help. It would be prudent for a potential franchisee to clarify with Kitchen Solvers what the next steps would be in such a situation.