What is the current location of Marble Slab Creamery's headquarters for arbitration purposes?
Marble_Slab_Creamery Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ise Agreement. You should read these provisions in the agreement attached to this disclosure document.**
| Provision | Section in Franchise Agreement | Summary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| franchise is terminated or expires | competitive business for 2 years within 5 miles of the location of your Restaurant or any other Restaurant operated or intended to be operated under the Marks. | ||
| s. | Modification of the agreement | Section 20 | Except for changes we can make, no amendment without mutual written consent |
| t. | Integration/merger clause | Section 25 | Only terms of Franchise Agreement are binding (subject to state law). Any representations or promises outside of the disclosure document and franchise agreement may not be enforceable. |
| u. | Dispute resolution by arbitration or mediation | Section 21 | Subject to state law, except for certain claims, all disputes must be arbitrated in the county in which our headquarters are located (currently Los Angeles, California) |
| v. | Choice of forum | Section 21 | Subject to state law, arbitration in the county in which our headquarters is located (currently Los Angeles, California) |
| w. | Choice of law | Section 21 | California; |
Source: Item 17 — RENEWAL, TERMINATION, TRANSFER AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION (FDD pages 74–85)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Marble Slab Creamery's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the location of the headquarters for arbitration purposes is specified within the franchise agreement. Disputes, with some exceptions based on state law, must be arbitrated in the county where Marble Slab Creamery's headquarters is located. Currently, that location is Los Angeles, California. This applies to disputes arising from the standard Franchise Agreement, the Multi-Unit Restaurant Agreement, and the LLC Operating Agreement.
This means that if a franchisee has a dispute with Marble Slab Creamery that proceeds to arbitration, the proceedings will take place in Los Angeles County, California, regardless of where the franchise is located. This could involve significant travel and legal expenses for a franchisee located outside of California. Franchisees should factor these potential costs into their assessment of the franchise opportunity.
It is typical in franchising for the franchisor to specify a location for arbitration, often their headquarters. This clause aims to provide Marble Slab Creamery with a consistent and predictable legal environment for dispute resolution. However, prospective franchisees should be aware of this clause and understand the potential implications of having to arbitrate in California. Franchisees should consult with a legal professional to fully understand their rights and obligations under the franchise agreement, particularly concerning dispute resolution.