Does the Southern Steer Franchise Disclosure Document, Franchise Agreement, or Multi-Unit Development Agreement have the ability to reduce any rights provided to franchisees under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 80C?

According to Southern Steer's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Franchise Disclosure Document, Franchise Agreement, and Multi-Unit Development Agreement cannot reduce any rights provided to franchisees under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 80C. The FDD states that nothing in these documents 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.

This means that if a prospective franchisee is opening a Southern Steer franchise in Minnesota, the franchise agreement cannot override or diminish any of the protections or rights granted to them under Minnesota law. This provision ensures that Minnesota franchisees retain all legal rights and remedies afforded to them under state law, regardless of what the franchise agreement might otherwise stipulate.

This protection is particularly important for franchisees as it prevents the franchisor from using the franchise agreement to circumvent state laws designed to protect franchisees. It ensures that franchisees in Minnesota have access to the legal procedures, forums, and remedies available under Minnesota law, providing a level of security and recourse in case of disputes or issues arising from the franchise relationship.