factual

What is the purpose of the addendum to the Monicals Pizza Franchise Agreement for the state of California?

Monicals_Pizza Franchise · 2025 FDD

Answer from 2025 FDD Document

CALIFORNIA FRANCHISE INVESTMENT LAW REQUIRES THAT A COPY OF ALL PROPOSED AGREEMENTS RELATING TO THE SALE OF THE FRANCHISE BE DELIVERED TOGETHER WITH THE DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT.

    1. Section 31125 of the California Corporations Code requires us to give you a Disclosure Document, in a form containing the information that the commissioner may by rule or order require, before a solicitation of a proposed material modification of an existing franchise.

You must sign a general release if you renew or transfer your franchise. California Corporations Code §31512 voids a waiver of your rights under the Franchise Investment Law (California Corporations Code §§31000 through 31516). Business and Professions Code §20010 voids a waiver of your rights under the Franchise Relations Act (Business and Professions Code §§20000 through 20043).

Neither the franchisor, any person or franchise broker in Item 2 of the Disclosure Document Disclosure Document is subject to any currently effective order of any national securities association or national securities exchange, as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, 15 U.S.C.A. 78a et seq., suspending or expelling such persons from membership in such association or exchange.

    1. ITEM 17 of the Disclosure Document Disclosure Document is amended to add the following:
    • The California Business and Professions Code Sections 20000 through 20043 provide rights to the franchisee concerning termination or non-renewal of a franchise. If the Franchise Agreement or Area Development Agreement contains a provision that is inconsistent with the law, the law will control.
    • The Franchise Agreement provides for termination upon bankruptcy. This provision may not be enforceable under federal bankruptcy law (11 U.S.C.A. Sec. 101 et seq.).
    • The Franchise Agreement contains a covenant not to compete that extends beyond the term of the agreement. This provision might not be enforceable under California law.
    • The Franchise Agreement and Area Development Agreement require litigation to be conducted in a court located outside of the State of California. This provision might not be enforceable for any cause of action arising under California law.
    • The Franchise Agreement and Area Development Agreement require application of the laws of a state other than the State of California. This provision might not be enforceable under California law.
    • The Franchise Agreement contains a liquidated damages clause. Under California Civil Code Section 1671, certain liquidated damages clauses are unenforceable.
    • The Franchise Agreement and Area Development Agreement require binding arbitration. The arbitration will occur at the forum indicated in ITEM 17 with the costs being borne by the non-prevailing party. Prospective franchisees are encouraged to consult legal counsel to determine the applicability of California and federal laws (such as Business and Professions Code Section 20040.5, Code of Civil Procedure Section 1281, and the Federal Arbitration Act) to any provisions of the Franchise Agreement restricting venue to a forum outside the State of California.
    • The following URL address is for the franchisor's website:

www.monicalspizza.com

FRANCHISOR'S WEBSITE HAS NOT BEEN REVIEWED OR APPROVED BY THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF CORPORATIONS. ANY COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THE CONTENT OF THIS WEBSITE MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF CORPORATIONS AT www.corp.ca.gov.

FOR THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT

Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 46–257)

What This Means (2025 FDD)

According to the 2025 Monicals Pizza Franchise Disclosure Document, the addendum to the franchise agreement for California addresses specific legal requirements within the state. It ensures compliance with the California Franchise Investment Law, which mandates that prospective franchisees receive copies of all agreements related to the franchise sale along with the disclosure document. Additionally, it references Section 31125 of the California Corporations Code, requiring Monicals Pizza to provide a disclosure document before soliciting any material modifications to an existing franchise.

The addendum also clarifies franchisee rights under California law, stating that signing a general release upon renewal or transfer does not waive rights under the Franchise Investment Law or the Franchise Relations Act. Specifically, California Corporations Code §31512 voids any waiver of rights under the Franchise Investment Law (California Corporations Code §§31000 through 31516), and Business and Professions Code §20010 voids any waiver of rights under the Franchise Relations Act (Business and Professions Code §§20000 through 20043).

Furthermore, the addendum addresses potential conflicts between the standard Monicals Pizza agreements and California law. For instance, it notes that provisions concerning termination, covenants not to compete, venue for litigation, and the application of laws from other states might not be enforceable under California law. In such cases, California law will take precedence. The addendum also encourages prospective developers to seek legal counsel to understand how California and federal laws apply to the Area Development Agreement, particularly concerning arbitration provisions.

In essence, the California addendum modifies the standard Monicals Pizza franchise and area development agreements to align with California's specific franchise laws, protecting franchisee rights and ensuring legal compliance within the state. This type of addendum is common in franchise agreements to account for varying state laws, and prospective Monicals Pizza franchisees in California should carefully review it with legal counsel to fully understand their rights and obligations.

Disclaimer: This information is extracted from the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document and is provided for research purposes only. It does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with a franchise attorney before making any investment decisions.