If you own a hotel or operate a fast food franchise in California, the demand letter may already be closer than you think. California employers continue to face aggressive wage-and-hour litigation, PAGA representative actions, meal and rest period claims, harassment allegations, accessibility lawsuits, and misclassification disputes. For hospitality businesses, QSR operators, franchisees, and other high-volume…
Continue reading…California Franchise Disclosure Requirements: What Fast Food Franchisees Should Know Before Signing in 2026
If you are considering buying into a fast food franchise in California, or you are an existing franchisee facing renewal, the Franchise Disclosure Document, often called the FDD, is one of the most important legal documents you will review. For California fast food franchisees, the stakes are especially high in 2026. California’s franchise laws already…
Continue reading…7 Commercial Loan Traps California Hotel Owners and Franchisees Should Review Before They Refinance
You signed for a $400,000 SBA loan to renovate your hotel lobby. Six months later, rates improve and you want to refinance. That is when you discover the prepayment penalty buried deep in the loan documents: a 5% fee that could cost $20,000 just to exit a loan you may not have accepted if the…
Continue reading…Franchise Agreement Red Flags: What Every Fast Food Franchisee in California Should Know
Running a fast food franchise in California can be a strong business opportunity, but it can also expose owners to serious legal and financial risk if the franchise agreement is stacked in the franchisor’s favor. Many franchisees focus on brand recognition, projected revenue, and site selection, only to discover later that the real trouble was…
Continue reading…Avoid ADA Website Lawsuits
Ensure you have the following details on your website: There must be an ADA Room Type listed on your website, all OTAs, and Franchise website. List all the accessible features your hotel common areas and guest rooms have. State a Policy that the Hotel will reserve ADA rooms for guests with ADA needs or rent…
Continue reading…Franchise Negotiation
Be sure to negotiate these terms with Franchisor Application Fees Key Money Ramp Up Franchise Fees Area of Protection Termination Windows Liquidated Damages Property Improvement Plan Capital Investments
Continue reading…Franchise Negotiations
Which Terms should you Negotiate? Term of the Agreement & Exit Windows Area of Protection Fees: Royalty and Marketing Property Improvement Plan Ownership Transfer Liquidated Damages Default Provisions NOTICE: Attorney advertising; Attorney licensed to practice law in California only; Not intended as legal advice; No attorney-client relationship created hereby.
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