Does the Minnesota Addenda supersede any other term of any document executed in connection with the Zoomin Groomin franchise?
Zoomin_Groomin Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
No statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgment signed or agreed to by a franchisee in connection with the commencement of the franchise relationship shall have the effect of (i) waiving any claims under any applicable state franchise law, including fraud in the inducement, or (ii) disclaiming reliance on any statement made by any franchisor, franchise seller, or other person acting on behalf of the franchisor.
This provision supersedes any other term of any document executed in connection with the franchise.
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, a specific provision within the Minnesota Addenda addresses the superseding of other terms in documents related to the franchise. It states that no statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgment signed by a franchisee at the start of the franchise relationship can waive claims under state franchise law, including fraud, or disclaim reliance on statements made by Zoomin Groomin or its representatives. This specific provision takes precedence over any conflicting terms in any document executed in connection with the franchise.
This means that even if a franchisee signs a document that appears to waive certain rights or claims, this waiver is not valid to the extent it conflicts with the protections afforded by Minnesota franchise law. This is particularly relevant to claims of fraud or misrepresentation made during the franchise sales process. The Minnesota Addenda ensures that franchisees retain their legal rights and remedies under state law, regardless of any agreements they may have signed.
For a prospective Zoomin Groomin franchisee in Minnesota, this addendum offers significant protection. It prevents the franchisor from using standard contract language to circumvent state franchise laws. Franchisees should carefully review all documents and understand their rights under Minnesota law, as these rights cannot be waived through standard agreements. This provision aims to protect franchisees from potentially overreaching or misleading practices by the franchisor.