If I am a resident of which state should I NOT sign the Closing Acknowledgment for a Southern Steer franchise?
Southern_Steer Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| This "Closing Acknowledgment", attached as Attachment J | to the Southern Steer Franchising International, | |
|---|---|---|
| LLC | Franchise Agreement ("Agreement"), dated | between Southern Steer |
| Franchising International, LLC | ||
| ("Franchisee"), must be completed before or at the same time Franchisee signs the Agreement. To the | ("Franchisor") and | |
| extent not defined herein, all capitalized references in this Closing Acknowledgment will have the meanings | ||
| as defined in the Agreement. | ||
| Maryland. | Do not sign this Questionnaire if you are a resident of Maryland or the business is to be operated in |
Source: Item 5 — and 7 of the FDD, Section 3.1 of the Franchise Agreement and Section 4.1 of the Multi-Unit Development Agreement are hereby amended to state that payment of the initial franchise fee and development fee will be deferred until We have satisfied Our pre-opening obligations, and You have commenced business operations. (FDD pages 168–290)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Southern Steer Franchise Disclosure Document, if you are a resident of Maryland or if the business is to be operated in Maryland, you should not sign the Closing Acknowledgment. This instruction is explicitly stated within the document, advising potential franchisees in Maryland to refrain from signing this particular form.
The Closing Acknowledgment is a document that confirms the franchisee's understanding of the franchise agreement and verifies that no unauthorized promises or misrepresentations were made during the franchise sales process. It covers important dates, such as when the Franchise Disclosure Document was received and when agreements were signed, ensuring the franchisee had adequate time to review the information.
For prospective Southern Steer franchisees, this means that if you reside in Maryland or plan to operate your franchise there, you should be aware that the standard Closing Acknowledgment form is not applicable. It is essential to understand why this restriction exists and whether there is an alternative form or process for Maryland residents to acknowledge their agreement and understanding of the franchise terms. It would be prudent to seek legal counsel to ensure full compliance with Maryland franchise laws.