Interstate All Battery Center

What specific circumstances led to the 1 case initiated against Interstate All Battery Center, and has it been resolved? What were the key issues?

The non-compete restriction of 3 miles is significantly below industry norms of 5-25 miles. How does this limited geographic restriction protect franchisees from direct franchisor or neighboring franchisee competition?

With a royalty rate of 5.0% below the typical 5.38-7.5% range, are there any conditions where this rate could increase, or circumstances that would trigger higher fees?

Can you provide details on the 13 units that closed over the past 3 years? What were the primary reasons (financial underperformance, owner retirement, relocation, etc.)?

The minimum performance standard requires achieving 75% of average gross sales or territorial exclusivity may be reduced after 2 consecutive years. What is the average gross sales benchmark, and how many franchisees currently fall below this threshold?

How many franchisees are currently operating below the 75% gross sales performance standard, and how many have experienced territory reduction as a result?

What support or intervention does the franchisor provide to franchisees at risk of underperformance before considering territory reduction?

Are there any disclosed costs or fees beyond the listed items (royalty, ad fund, technology fee, transfer fee) that franchisees should be aware of?

The $330 annual technology fee is listed but with no detail on what services or systems it covers. What specific technology platforms and support does this include?

Given the mandatory binding arbitration clause, what recourse do franchisees have if disputes arise regarding territory reduction or performance standards?

How are personal guarantees enforced in practice? Have there been cases where the franchisor pursued personal guarantees against individual franchisee owners?

What is the renewal fee structure? The disclosure does not specify renewal costs, which could significantly impact long-term economics.

How does the franchisor define 'protected territory' if it is not exclusive? Can the franchisor open company-owned locations or approve other franchisees within the territory?

Of the 3-5 annual closures, how many involved franchisees that had completed their initial 10-year term versus those earlier in their agreement?

The system has remained flat at 170 units for 3 years. What is the franchisor's growth strategy, and are new territories being added or converted to corporate locations?

Can you clarify the indemnification clause? Are franchisees liable for defending the franchisor in claims even if the franchisor bears some responsibility?

What specific gross sales figures are used to calculate the 75% performance threshold, and how frequently is this metric reviewed and updated?