Where will arbitration or mediation take place for a Moes Southwest Grill franchise purchased in Washington?
Moes_Southwest_Grill Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Site of Arbitration, Mediation, and/or Litigation.** 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 22 — Contracts (FDD page 92)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Moe's Southwest Grill Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee purchases a franchise in Washington, the arbitration or mediation site will be in Washington. However, the location can be a place mutually agreed upon at the time of the arbitration or mediation. The arbitrator or mediator can also determine the location at the time of arbitration or mediation.
This addendum modifies the franchise agreement, meaning that the standard arbitration clauses might not apply in full to a Washington franchisee. This ensures that franchisees are not forced to travel to a distant location for dispute resolution, which could be a significant financial burden.
Additionally, the addendum states that if litigation is not precluded by the franchise agreement, a franchisee in Washington 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 operating in Washington.