factual

Does the release from a Sonesta Simply Suites franchisee cover claims related to the development of the hotel?

Sonesta_Simply_Suites Franchise · 2025 FDD

Answer from 2025 FDD Document

ing for any part of any consideration given or to be given by Assignee Parties for the Transfer, Assignor Parties agree that all of Assignee Parties' and/or their affiliates' obligations under promissory notes, agreements, or security interests reserved in the Hotel are subordinate to our rights and Assignee's obligations under the New Franchise Agreement and any guaranty executed by the Assignee Owner[s] pursuant thereto.

    1. Release. The Franchisee Parties, and each of them, on behalf of themselves and their respective current and former parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries, and each such foregoing person's or entity's respective agents, spouses, heirs, principals, attorneys, owners, officers, directors, employees, representatives, predecessors, successors, and assigns (collectively, the "Releasing Parties"), hereby fully and forever unconditionally release and discharge us and our current and former parents, subsidiaries, and affiliates, and our and each such foregoing entity's respective current and former owners, officers, directors, employees, managers, agents, representatives, predecessors, successors, and assigns (the "Released Parties"), of and from any and all claims, obligations, debts, proceedings, demands, causes of actions, rights to terminate and rescind, liabilities, losses, damages, and rights of every kind and nature whatsoever (collectively, "Claims"), whether at law or in equity, and known or unknown, which any of the Releasing Parties had, has, or may have had, in any way arising out of or relating to any relationship or transaction with any of the Released Parties, however characterized or described, from the beginning of time until the date set forth below each of the Franchisee Parties' signature to this Agreement, including, without limitation, any and all Claims in any way arising out of or relating to the Existing Franchise Agreement, this Agreement, the relationships created by any of the foregoing, or the development, ownership, or operation of the Hotel, or any other agreements entered into between any of the Released Parties and any of the Releasing Parties. The Releasing Parties further covenant not to sue any of the Released Parties on any of the Claims released by this Section, and warrant and represent that they have not assigned or otherwise transferred any Claims released by this Section.

If the Hotel is located in California or if any of the Franchisee Parties are residents of California, the following shall apply:

Section 1542 Acknowledgment. It is the Franchisee Parties' intention, on their own behalf and on behalf of the Releasing Parties, in executing this release that this Section be and is a general release which shall be effective as a bar to each and every claim, demand, or cause of action released by the Franchisee Parties or the Releasing Parties. The Franchisee Parties recognize that they or the Releasing Parties may have some claim, demand, or cause of action against the Released Parties of which he, she, or it is totally unaware and unsuspecting, which he, she, or it is giving up by executing this release. It is the Franchisee Parties' intention, on their own behalf and on behalf of the Releasing Parties, in executing this instrument that it will deprive him, her, or it of

each such claim, demand, or cause of action and prevent him, her, or it from asserting it against the Released Parties. In furtherance of this intention, the Franchisee Parties, on their own behalf and on behalf of the Releasing Parties, expressly waive any rights or benefits conferred by the provisions of Section 1542 of the California Civil Code, which provides as follows:

"A general release does not extend to claims that the creditor or releasing party does not know or suspect to exist in his or her favor at the time of executing the release and that, if known by him or her, would have materially affected his or her settlement with the debtor or released party."

The Franchisee Parties acknowledge and represent that they have consulted with legal counsel before executing this release and that they understand its meaning, including the effect of Section 1542 of the California Civil Code, and expressly consent that this release shall be given full force and effect according to each and all of its express terms and provisions, including, without limitation, those relating to the release of unknown and unsuspected claims, demands, and causes of action.

Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 80–246)

What This Means (2025 FDD)

According to the 2025 Sonesta Simply Suites FDD, the release provided by the franchisee covers claims related to the development of the hotel. The franchisee, on behalf of themselves and their related parties, releases Sonesta and its related parties from all claims and liabilities. This includes claims arising from the franchise agreement, the relationship it creates, and the development, ownership, or operation of the hotel.

The release encompasses all claims, known or unknown, that the franchisee has or may have against Sonesta Simply Suites. The franchisee also agrees not to sue Sonesta Simply Suites for any of the released claims and confirms that they have not transferred any of these claims to another party. This ensures that Sonesta Simply Suites is protected from potential future legal actions related to these matters.

For franchisees in California, the release includes a waiver of rights under Section 1542 of the California Civil Code, which typically protects against releasing unknown claims. By waiving this section, California franchisees agree to release all claims, even those they are not aware of at the time of signing the release. However, the release does not apply to liabilities under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law if the hotel is located in Maryland or if the franchisee is a resident of Maryland. Similarly, the release does not apply to liabilities under the Minnesota Franchise Act if that act governs the franchise relationship, or to claims arising under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act if the hotel is in Washington or the franchisee is a resident there.

Prospective franchisees should carefully review the release and covenant not to sue, understanding that it covers a broad range of potential claims, including those related to the development of the hotel. It is advisable to consult with legal counsel to fully understand the implications of signing such a release, especially concerning the waiver of rights under Section 1542 of the California Civil Code or any similar protections in other states.

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.