Is Monicals Pizza allowed to require litigation to be conducted outside of Minnesota for franchises governed by Minnesota law?
Monicals_Pizza Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- Minn. Stat. §80C.21 and Minn. Rule 2860.4400J prohibit us from requiring litigation to be conducted outside Minnesota. In addition, nothing in the Disclosure Document or Franchise Agreement can abrogate or reduce any of your rights as provided for in Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 80C, or your rights to any procedure, forum or remedies provided for by the laws of the jurisdiction.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 46–257)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Monicals Pizza's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, for franchises governed by Minnesota law, Monicals Pizza is prohibited from requiring litigation to be conducted outside of Minnesota. The FDD explicitly states that Minnesota Statutes §80C.21 and Minnesota Rule 2860.4400J prevent Monicals Pizza from mandating that litigation occur outside the state.
This provision protects Minnesota franchisees by ensuring they can pursue legal action against Monicals Pizza within their own state. It also confirms that no clause within the Disclosure Document or Franchise Agreement can override or diminish any rights granted to franchisees under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 80C, or their access to legal procedures, forums, or remedies provided by Minnesota law.
This type of protection is not universally offered by franchisors, so it represents a significant benefit for potential Monicals Pizza franchisees in Minnesota. Franchisees should confirm that this protection is still in place at the time of signing their franchise agreement.