Challenge: A first-time franchisee wanted to know whether there was anything unusual
in her franchise agreement for a new restaurant concept. The Franchise Agreement is
approximately 60 pages, and the franchisee was overwhelmed. The franchisee was
scheduled to attend a Discovery Day for the franchise system the following week. She
wanted to understand the terms of the franchise agreement by Discovery Day.
Holden Law Solution: Yvonne Holden, Esq., promptly conducted a comprehensive, line-
by-line review of the franchise agreement and met with the client to explain it, breaking
down complex sections into clear, understandable English. She identified which terms
were typical in franchise agreements and which were not. She explained the meanings
of the unusual terms and discussed with the client whether it would be worth negotiating
those terms with the Franchisor or whether the Franchisor would be unwilling to change
them, as franchise agreements are typically highly non-negotiable documents.
Outcome: The franchisee attended Discovery Day fully informed and ready to ask
insightful questions. She eventually signed the franchise agreement and is a thriving
business owner today.
