In Minnesota, is Mr. Sandless allowed to require a franchisee to assent to a general release?
Mr_Sandless Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- Item 17 of the Disclosure Document and Articles 3 and 21 of the Franchise Agreement are amended by the addition of the following language to the original language that appears therein:
"Minn. Rule 2860.4400D prohibits us from requiring you to assent to a general release."
Source: Item 17 — RENEWAL, TERMINATION, TRANSFER AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION (FDD pages 30–34)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Mr. Sandless's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Minnesota Rule 2860.4400D prohibits Mr. Sandless from requiring a franchisee to assent to a general release. This amendment is specifically for the state of Minnesota and is added to Item 17 of the Disclosure Document and Articles 3 and 21 of the Franchise Agreement.
This means that if you are considering opening a Mr. Sandless franchise in Minnesota, you cannot be forced to sign a document that broadly releases Mr. Sandless from all potential liabilities. This protects your rights as a franchisee under Minnesota law.
This type of state-specific addendum is common in franchising, as state laws often regulate franchise relationships to protect franchisees. Prospective franchisees should carefully review any state-specific addenda to understand how the standard franchise agreement is modified by local law.