Under what circumstances would the release in the Kitchen Solvers agreement NOT apply to Washington franchisees?

According to Kitchen Solvers' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the sample release in Exhibit G of the FDD does not apply to claims arising under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, RCW 19.100. This means that any general release a Kitchen Solvers franchisee in Washington might sign will not prevent them from pursuing claims related to violations of this specific Washington state law.

This addendum is significant for prospective Kitchen Solvers franchisees in Washington because it protects their rights under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act. Even if the standard franchise agreement contains a general release clause, this clause cannot be used to waive the franchisee's right to bring claims under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act. This ensures that franchisees retain their legal recourse in case of disputes or issues covered by that specific law.

This type of addendum is common in franchise agreements to comply with state-specific franchise laws, which often have provisions that protect franchisees' rights and cannot be waived by standard contract terms. Prospective Kitchen Solvers franchisees in Washington should carefully review this addendum and understand their rights under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, consulting with a legal professional if necessary.