For Potbelly Sandwich Works, what does the Rider supersede regarding the Effective Date?

According to Potbelly Sandwich Works's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Rider to the Franchise Agreement supersedes the Effective Date stated in the Franchise Agreement for franchisees in California, Hawaii, Indiana, Michigan, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, and Wisconsin. This means that the terms outlined in the Rider will take precedence over any conflicting terms related to the Effective Date that are mentioned in the original Franchise Agreement.

This is particularly relevant to the clause addressing the waiver of disclaimers of reliance in certain states. The Rider ensures that no statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgment signed by the franchisee can waive claims under state franchise law, including fraud in the inducement, or disclaim reliance on statements made by Potbelly Sandwich Works or its representatives. This protection is specifically highlighted for franchisees operating in California, Hawaii, Indiana, Michigan, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, and Wisconsin, where state franchise disclosure laws apply.

For a prospective Potbelly Sandwich Works franchisee, this Rider offers additional legal protection by preventing unintentional waivers of rights or disclaimers of reliance. It ensures that franchisees in the specified states retain their ability to pursue claims under state franchise laws, regardless of any agreements signed during the commencement of the franchise relationship. This could be beneficial in situations where a franchisee believes they were misled or defrauded during the franchise sales process.