In Washington, what should a prospective Kitchen Solvers franchisee do regarding information provided by a franchise broker?
Kitchen_Solvers Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
No statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgement signed or agreed to by a franchisee in connection with the commencement of the franchise relationship shall have the effect of (i) waiving any 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, for prospective franchisees in Washington, no statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgment signed in connection with starting the franchise can disclaim reliance on statements made by the franchisor, franchise seller, or anyone acting on the franchisor's behalf. This includes representations made by franchise brokers. This provision overrides any other conflicting terms in any document related to the franchise agreement.
This means that a Kitchen Solvers franchisee in Washington cannot waive any claims under the state's franchise law, including claims related to fraud in the inducement. The franchisee's right to rely on statements made by the franchisor or its representatives is protected, and any attempt to disclaim this reliance is invalid.
This protection is particularly important because it ensures that franchisees are not bound by clauses that might prevent them from seeking legal recourse if they believe they were misled during the franchise sales process. It reinforces the franchisee's ability to hold the franchisor accountable for representations made during the initial stages of the franchise relationship.