What is the effect of the Washington Addendum on the Zoomin Groomin franchise agreement's provisions regarding renewal?
Zoomin_Groomin Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
eement, and all related agreements regardless of anything to the contrary contained therein. This Addendum applies if: (a) the offer to sell a franchise is accepted in Washington; (b) the purchaser of the franchise is a resident of Washington; and/or (c) the franchised business that is the subject of the sale is to be located or operated, wholly or partly, in Washington.
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- Conflict of Laws. In the event of a conflict of laws, the provisions of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, chapter 19.100 RCW will prevail.
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- Franchisee Bill of Rights. RCW 19.100.180 may supersede provisions in the franchise agreement or related agreements concerning your relationship with the franchisor, including in the areas of termination and renewal of your franchise. There may also be court decisions that supersede the franchise agreement or related agreements concerning your relationship with the franchisor. Franchise agreement provisions, including those summarized in Item 17 of the Franchise Disclosure Document, are subject to state law.
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- Site of Arbitration, Mediation, and/or Litigation.
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 Zoomin Groomin's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Washington Addendum significantly modifies the franchise agreement, especially concerning renewal provisions for franchisees operating in Washington. The addendum states that RCW 19.100.180, also known as the Franchisee Bill of Rights, may supersede provisions in the franchise agreement or related agreements concerning the franchisee's relationship with Zoomin Groomin, explicitly including areas of termination and renewal. This means that certain standard terms in the franchise agreement might not be enforceable in Washington if they conflict with state law.
Specifically, the addendum addresses general releases, which are often required during franchise renewal. It clarifies that any release or waiver of rights that requires a franchisee to waive compliance with the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act is void unless it meets specific conditions. These conditions include being executed pursuant to a negotiated settlement after the agreement is in effect and with both parties represented by independent counsel, as outlined in RCW 19.100.220(2). Furthermore, any such release executed in connection with a renewal is also void unless it complies with the same section of the RCW.
In practical terms, a Zoomin Groomin franchisee in Washington cannot be forced to sign away their rights under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act as a condition of renewing their franchise, unless the strict conditions of a negotiated settlement with independent counsel are met. This provides additional protection to franchisees during the renewal process, ensuring they are not pressured into unfair agreements. Franchisees should be aware of these protections and seek legal counsel to fully understand their rights under Washington law when considering renewal.