What is the effect of the Washington Addendum on the Zoomin Groomin franchise agreement's provisions regarding mediation?
Zoomin_Groomin Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
-
- Site of Arbitration, Mediation, and/or Litigation. In any arbitration or mediation involving a franchise purchased in Washington, the arbitration or mediation site will be either in the state of Washington, or in a place mutually agreed upon at the time of the arbitration or mediation, or as determined by the arbitrator or mediator at the time of arbitration or mediation. In addition, if litigation is not precluded by the franchise agreement, a franchisee may bring an action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with the sale of franchises, or a violation of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, in Washington.
Source: Item 17 — g. of the Disclosure Document is modified to state that, in addition to the grounds for immediate termination specified in Item 17.h., the franchisor can terminate upon written notice and a 60 day opportunity to cure for a breach of the Franchise Agreement. (FDD pages 51–65)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Zoomin Groomin FDD, the Washington Addendum modifies the franchise agreement regarding mediation for franchises purchased or operated in Washington state. Specifically, the addendum stipulates that in any mediation involving a franchise purchased in Washington, the mediation site must be either in Washington state or in a location mutually agreed upon at the time of the mediation. Alternatively, the location can be determined by the mediator at the time of the mediation.
This provision ensures that Zoomin Groomin franchisees in Washington are not forced to travel to a distant or inconvenient location for mediation, which could increase their costs and make it more difficult to resolve disputes. The addendum provides flexibility by allowing the parties to agree on a location or for the mediator to decide, but it establishes a baseline that protects the franchisee's interests.
This modification is important for prospective Zoomin Groomin franchisees in Washington as it provides a degree of protection and convenience in the event of a dispute requiring mediation. Franchisees should be aware of this provision and understand their rights under Washington law regarding dispute resolution. This addendum aims to balance the interests of both the franchisor and franchisee in the mediation process.