HILLMAN, District Judge.
This matter involves an alleged breach of a Red Roof Inn franchise agreement. Before the Court are three motions: plaintiff's motion for partial summary judgment, defendants' motion to amend or correct their opposition to summary judgment, and defendants' motion to strike plaintiff's affidavit. For the reasons explained below, the motion for partial summary judgment will be granted in part
This Court exercises subject matter jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1332 (diversity). Plaintiff Red Roof Franchising, LLC ("RRF") is a Delaware limited liability company. The sole member of RRF is RRF Holding Company, LLC ("RRF Holding"), a Delaware limited liability company. The sole member of RRF Holding is Red Roof Inns, Inc., a Delaware corporation with its principal place of business in Columbus, Ohio. Defendant AA Hospitality Northshore, LLC ("AAHN") is a Minnesota limited liability company. The members of AAHN are defendant Alpesh Patel, an individual and citizen of the State of New Jersey and defendant Aruna Patel, and individual and citizen of the State of New Jersey. Plaintiff alleges that the amount in controversy exceeds $75,000.00, exclusive of interest and costs.
On April 9, 2007, defendant AAHN entered into a written franchise agreement with Accor Franchising North America, LLC ("Accor") for a term of five years. On the same day, Alpesh Patel and Aruna Patel (the "Patels"), executed a guarantee, indemnification and acknowledgment under which they guaranteed the performance of AAHN's obligations under the franchise agreement. The Patels operated a Red Roof Inn, using RRF's system and marks, in Duluth, Minnesota. On June 30, 2007, Accor assigned its rights and obligations under the franchise agreement to plaintiff RRF.
On July 1, 2010, AAHN ceased operating the franchise as a Red Roof Inn and started operating it as an "America's Best Value Inn." On July 2, 2010, RRF sent written notice to defendants advising them of termination of the franchise agreement effective July 6, 2010, as result of default due to abandonment.
RRF alleges that defendants have not paid franchise fees in the amount of $71,880.80, and that after termination, AAHN continued to use RRF's franchise system and marks in contravention of the franchise agreement. RRF brought claims of breach of contract of the franchise agreement and of the guarantee, and seeks specific performance in the removal of the Red Roof signs and marks, and other proprietary and confidential information. Defendants filed counterclaims for unconscionable franchise agreement and guarantee agreement, breach of contract, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and violation of the Minnesota Franchise Act. Plaintiff seeks summary judgment on its breach of contract claims and on defendants' counterclaims.
Before addressing plaintiff's motion for partial summary judgment, the Court will address defendants' motions to correct a footnote in their opposition brief and to strike plaintiff's affidavit.
In their opposition brief, defendants state "With regard to affirmative defenses, there exist genuine issues of material fact regarding Red Roof's having committed a prior material breach of the franchise agreement." At the end of this sentence was a footnote (footnote one) simply stating, "Defendants hereby withdraw the remaining
Plaintiff responded that it does not oppose defendants' motion to amend or correct the footnote as long as the Court also considers its response to the points raised by defendants in response to their footnote.
Accordingly, the Court will grant defendants' motion to amend or correct footnote one of its opposition to summary judgment. The arguments raised by plaintiff in response to the footnote shall be considered along with its motion for summary judgment.
In support of its motion for partial summary judgment, plaintiff attached the affidavit of Robert Wallace, Executive Vice President of RRF. Attached to his affidavit were the various written agreements between the parties, the letter of termination, and a schedule of outstanding franchise fees owed and calculation of lost profits. In their opposition, defendants argue that Wallace has no individual personal knowledge of the billing, payment or accounts receivable history of the Patels, and that the schedule of fees owed do not correlate to any invoices or refer to the history of payments made by the Patels. In their reply, plaintiff states that Wallace does have personal knowledge of the facts in this case, as he swears to in his affidavit. Plaintiff also argues that the spreadsheets attached to the Wallace affidavit provide sufficient evidence of the amount owed and takes into account the amounts paid by defendants. Plaintiff further argues that defendants previously received invoices that correspond to each of the entries on the spreadsheets.
The day after plaintiff filed its reply, it also filed the declaration of Joy Purvis, the accounts receivable/credit collections supervisor at Red Roof Inns, Inc., an affiliate of the plaintiff, RRF. Purvis declared, under penalty of perjury, that she attached true copies of invoices issued by RRF to defendant AAHN. She declared that the invoices correspond to the entries on the account status report attached as an exhibit to the Wallace affidavit.
Defendants move to strike the Purvis declaration on grounds that it was untimely and violated Local Rule 56.1(a)
There is no question that the proper time for plaintiff to have requested permission for an extension to file the Purvis declaration was prior to the reply deadline, and certainly prior to the filing of the declaration on the Court's docket. To simply file it without permission and then only request permission in response to a motion to strike is not proper procedure. The Court, however, has discretion to grant an extension to file a reply brief, and finding no prejudice to the defendants in permitting the declaration to be filed one day after the deadline, shall grant plaintiff's request nunc pro tunc. See U.S. Small Business Administration as Receiver for Penny Lane Partners, L.P. v. Herbst, No. 08-1396, 2009 WL 1351577, at
The Court also finds that the Purvis declaration does not violate Local Rule 56.1(a). The declaration does not provide any new evidence or allege new facts. Rather, it provides supplemental evidence in support of the Wallace affidavit regarding the invoices sent to the defendants, in response to the arguments raised by defendants in their opposition to summary judgment.
Therefore, defendants are permitted to correct their footnote, and plaintiff is permitted to file its supplemental declaration of Joy Purvis. The remaining motion is plaintiff's motion for partial summary judgment seeking judgment in its favor on its breach of contract claims and on defendants' counterclaims.
Summary judgment is appropriate where the Court is satisfied that "the pleadings, depositions, answers to interrogatories, and admissions on file, together with the affidavits, if any, show that there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and that the moving party is entitled to a judgment as a matter of law." Celotex Corp. v. Catrett, 477 U.S. 317, 330, 106 S.Ct. 2548, 91 L.Ed.2d 265 (1986); Fed. R.Civ.P. 56(c).
An issue is "genuine" if it is supported by evidence such that a reasonable jury could return a verdict in the nonmoving party's favor. Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242, 248, 106 S.Ct. 2505, 91 L.Ed.2d 202 (1986). A fact is "material" if, under the governing substantive law, a dispute about the fact might affect the outcome of the suit. Id. In considering a motion for summary judgment, a district court may not make credibility determinations or engage in any weighing of the evidence; instead, the nonmoving party's evidence "is to be believed and all justifiable inferences are to be drawn in his favor." Marino v. Indus. Crating Co., 358 F.3d 241, 247 (3d Cir.2004) (quoting Anderson, 477 U.S. at 255, 106 S.Ct. 2505).
Initially, the moving party has the burden of demonstrating the absence of a genuine issue of material fact. Celotex Corp., 477 U.S. at 323, 106 S.Ct. 2548. Once the moving party has met this burden, the nonmoving party must identify, by affidavits or otherwise, specific facts showing that there is a genuine issue for trial. Id. Thus, to withstand a properly supported motion for summary judgment, the nonmoving party must identify specific facts and affirmative evidence that contradict those offered by the moving party. Anderson, 477 U.S. at 256-57, 106 S.Ct. 2505. A party opposing summary judgment must do more than just rest upon mere allegations, general denials, or vague statements. Saldana v. Kmart Corp., 260 F.3d 228, 232 (3d Cir.2001).
RRF seeks summary judgment on its claim for breach of the franchise agreement and guarantee. A choice of law issue arises because the franchise agreement and guarantee contain choice of law provisions stating that the agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Texas. In addition, the parties executed a "Minnesota Amendment" to the franchise agreement which states that "nothing in the Offering Circular or Franchise Agreement can abrogate or reduce any of your rights as provided for in Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 80C ...."
This Court exercises subject matter jurisdiction based on the diversity of citizenship of the parties. A court sitting in diversity must follow the substantive choice of law rules of the forum state.
Although the Patels are citizens of New Jersey, the franchise is located in Minnesota. New Jersey has no substantial relationship to a Minnesota franchise, whereas Minnesota has a strong policy in protecting a franchisee located within its boarders. See Pacific Equipment & Irr., Inc. v. Toro Co., 519 N.W.2d 911, 916 (Minn.App. 1994) (finding that the Minnesota Franchise Act was passed as remedial legislation designed to protect franchises within Minnesota).
Under Minnesota law, if a franchisee is a Minnesota resident, partnership, or corporation, any choice of law clause contained in the franchise agreement is void. Minn.Stat. § 80C.21
Plaintiff acknowledges that Minnesota law voids any choice of law provision in a franchise agreement, but argues that Texas law should still be applied to "common law issues." Since Minnesota law applies to the franchise agreement and voids the choice of law provision, Texas law does not apply. Rather, as a Court sitting in diversity, we apply New Jersey choice of law principles to determine whether New Jersey or Minnesota law applies to the common law claims.
As stated, supra, since the franchise is located in Minnesota, Minnesota has a substantial interest in having its law applied to breach of the franchise agreement. Even so, there is no true conflict between New Jersey law and Minnesota
As stated above, to prove a claim for breach of contract, a plaintiff must demonstrate that a valid contract existed and that the defendant failed to perform under the contract causing injury. See Murphy, 920 A.2d at 689. There is no dispute between the parties that a valid franchise agreement exists, and that it was entered into on April 7, 2009. AAHN agreed to operate a Red Roof Inn for a period of at least five years. On July 1, 2010, AAHN cease to operate the franchise as a Red Roof Inn, prior to the agreed-upon five year commitment.
RRF argues that it has performed its duties under the contract but that AAHN breached Section 13.3 of the franchise agreement by ceasing to operate a Red Roof Inn on July 1, 2010. Section 13.3 states:
RRF also alleges that AAHN failed to pay outstanding franchise fees owed upon termination in the amount of $71,880.80, and breached their post-termination obligations by using the RRF franchise system and marks after termination. RRF also alleges that it lost future profits in the amount of $90,923.36.
Defendants do not dispute that they ceased to operate a Red Roof Inn on July 1, 2010, or that they owed certain fees under the franchise agreement.
With regard to the first argument, although a material breach of a contract by one party can excuse performance by the other party, see Travelodge Hotels, Inc. v. Honeysuckle Enterprises, Inc., 357 F.Supp.2d 788 (D.N.J.2005), "[u]nder settled franchise law, `[u]nder no circumstances may the non-breaching party stop performance and continue to take advantage of the contract's benefits." Ramada Worldwide, Inc. v. Hotel of Grayling, Inc., No. 08-3845, 2010 WL 2674460, at *9 (D.N.J. June 30, 2010) (emphasis in original) (citing S & R Corp. v. Jiffy Lube Int'l, Inc., 968 F.2d 371, 376 (3d Cir.1992)); General Motors Corp. v. New A.C. Chevrolet, Inc., 263 F.3d 296, 315 n. 5 (3d Cir. 2001) ("It is hornbook law that when one party to a contract commits a material breach, the non-breacher has the option of either continuing the contract and suing for partial breach, or terminating the agreement in its entirety.") (citing 2 E. Allan Farnsworth, FARNSWORTH ON CONTRACTS § 8.16, at 495 (2d ed.1998)). Thus, the relevant inquiry is whether RRF materially breached the franchise agreement so that the defendants were justified in not paying the required fees, and if defendants also ceased to take advantage of the benefits under the franchise agreement.
Defendants rely on the declaration of Alpesh Patel in support of their claim that RRF's actions amounted to breach under the contract.
In their brief, defendants cite to section 3 of the franchise agreement which lists the duties of the franchisor. Section 3, however, does not specify that RRF must create new advertising or marketing programs; must have expertise in operating the "RediCard Frequent Card Program"; must put revenue into a "corporate program"; must visit the franchise more than once a year; must provide guest surveys linked to the "Fidelio system";
RRF argues that it never agreed in the franchise agreement to create "new" advertising or marketing programs, or to continue the "RediCard Frequent Card Program." RRF states that there is no obligation for it to visit defendants' facility. Thus, the most that defendants have alleged regarding these complaints is a dissatisfaction with RRH. They have not shown that RRF has breached the franchise agreement.
However, after July 1, 2010, plaintiff admits that defendants ceased operating as a Red Roof Inn and began operating as an America's Best Value Inn. Therefore, as of July 1, 2010, defendants were no longer receiving the benefits of operating as a Red Roof Inn franchise. Thus, plaintiff's have not proved its claim on summary judgment that defendants continued to use the RRF franchise system and marks after termination. A genuine dispute of material fact exists as to how defendants could operate as a different hotel while at the same time continue to use the Red Roof Inn system and marks. Plaintiff has presented no facts in support of this allegation and, therefore, this portion of its claim will be denied on summary judgment.
Defendants' second argument is that RRF did not adequately support the amount of damages. As stated above, RRF submitted copies of the underlying invoices attached to the declaration of Joy Purvis. RRF also submitted the affidavit of Robert Wallace and attached as Exhibits H and I, a calculation of damages.
Defendants also state that the chart attached to Patel's declaration shows they met the payment program, and that the email from Asvin Patel to Rob Wallace indicated that the Patels had accepted Red Roof's offer to keep the franchise in good standing. There are several problems with these statements. First, although
Defendants also argue that the calculation of damages do not take into consideration the payments made by them, and do not indicate the type of fee. Defendants' dispute over the amount of damages, however, does not challenge the fact that RRF incurred damages as a result of the breach. Given that RRF has established that it incurred damages, it is entitled to summary judgment on its claim of breach of the franchise agreement. See Northern States Power Co. v. Lyon Food Products, Inc., 304 Minn. 196, 202, 229 N.W.2d 521, 525 (Minn.1975) ("Having determined that plaintiff had suffered damage, the fact that it is difficult to establish the amount does not necessarily preclude recovery."). Nevertheless, the Court agrees that plaintiff must provide a full and complete accounting of damages, including a breakdown by type of fee charged and history of payments made by defendants.
When AAHN entered into the franchise agreement, the Patels executed a guarantee, indemnification and acknowledgment under which they guaranteed the performance of AAHN's obligations under the franchise agreement. RRF argues that the Patels breached the guarantee.
As with any contract, RRF must demonstrate that a valid contract existed and that the defendants failed to perform under the contract causing injury. See Murphy, 920 A.2d at 689. RRF has attached a copy of the guarantee as Exhibit D to the Wallace affidavit. The guarantee states that "as an inducement to and as additional consideration for" the franchisor "to enter into" the franchise agreement that the Patels guarantee to franchisor that all of franchisee's obligations under the agreement will be punctually paid and performed. The guarantee is signed by the Patels.
RRF states that it, and its predecessor, Accor, performed under the guarantee since it entered into the franchise with AAHN who operated a Red Roof Inn. RRF states that the Patels have breached the guarantee by failing to have AAHN operate a Red Roof Inn for at least five years and to pay fees to RRF under the franchise agreement, as required under the guarantee. RRF states that it has been damaged and is owed $71,880.80 in unpaid franchise fees, and $90,923.36 in expected franchise royalty fees.
As explained above, RRF has met the elements of breach of the franchise agreement (with the exception of use of the system and marks after July 1, 2010), and has established that AAHN owes it fees under the franchise agreement (in an amount to be determined). RRF has also established that a valid guarantee exists, that it performed under the guarantee, that the Patels did not abide by the terms of the guarantee, and that RRF incurred damages as a result. Defendants have not presented any evidence in opposition. Therefore, RRH's motion with regard to breach of contract regarding the guarantee will be granted.
RRF asserts that both the franchise agreement and guarantee provide that upon default, RRF is entitled to recover its counsel fees and costs incurred in enforcing its rights under the agreements. Even though attorneys' fees are generally considered procedural and federal courts apply federal procedural rules rather than state procedural rules, in diversity cases, the Third Circuit has held that state procedural rules apply concerning attorneys' fees. McAdam v. Dean Witter Reynolds, Inc., 896 F.2d 750, 775 n. 47 (3d Cir.1990) (stating that "[s]tate rules concerning the award or denial of attorneys' fees are to be applied in cases where federal jurisdiction is based on diversity or if the court is exercising pendent jurisdiction, provided such rules do not run counter to federal statutes or policy considerations.").
Under New Jersey law,
In addition to seeking summary judgment on its breach of contract claims,
RRF moves to dismiss this counterclaim on grounds that there is no evidence in the record to suggest that either the franchise agreement or guarantee was either procedurally or substantively unconscionable. Since defendants withdrew this counterclaim and did not provide any argument or evidence in opposition, this counterclaim shall be dismissed.
It is now defendants burden to show that a valid contract existed and that RRF failed to perform under the contract causing injury. See Murphy, 920 A.2d at 689. As stated, there is no dispute a valid franchise agreement exists. As explained in footnote 13 supra, the Court has determined that two of the various listed complaints by defendants could potentially be construed as breaches; namely, that RRF did not efficiently operate the advertising and marketing programs; and that the reservation system failed eight to nine times, sometimes for a day and a half, during which time it was not possible to make reservations. Section 3.3 of the franchise agreement requires that franchisor "maintain and administer an Accel Reservation System and a Marketing Program, subject to the provisions of Section 10." Section 10 outlines duties regarding marketing. If RRH failed to properly operate the advertising and marketing programs, and the Accel program failed a certain number of times, such events could be construed as breaches.
However, regardless of possible breach, as explained above, if RRF did breach the contract, then defendants had the option of either terminating the contract and ceasing to perform, or continuing to perform and suing for damages. See General Motors, 263 F.3d at 315 n. 5 ("It is hornbook law that when one party to a contract commits a material breach, the non-breacher has the option of either continuing the contract and suing for partial breach, or terminating the agreement in its entirety."); Radisson Hotels, 2011 WL 98129, at *3 ("It is black-letter contract law that when a nonbreaching party responds to the other party's breach by choosing to keep the contract in force, `the nonbreaching party, by electing to continue receiving benefits pursuant to the agreement, cannot then refuse to perform his or her part of the bargain.'"). Here, prior to July 1, 2010, defendants did not pay fees as agreed to under the franchise agreement, but continued to operate as a Red Roof Inn. After they terminated the franchise and ceased to operate as a Red Roof Inn, they presumably no longer received the benefit of the franchise. Thus, to the extent that RRH seeks payment of fees under the franchise agreement after July 1, 2010, then defendants' counterclaim would survive summary judgment. However, it is not clear from the record at this point if RRH is seeking fees after July 1, 2010, and as directed by the Court, will need to submit a revised calculation of its damages. Accordingly, RRH's motion seeking dismissal of defendants' counterclaim for breach of contract shall be denied without prejudice.
RRF argues that, despite Minnesota's waiver of choice of law provisions in franchise agreements, Texas law should be applied to defendants' common law claim for breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. This is a somewhat unusual situation because Minnesota law, which governs the franchise agreement, voids the Texas choice of law provision, but the breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing is a tort. See Schultze v. Chevron Oil Co., 579 F.2d 776, 781 (3d Cir.1978) (finding recovery may also be available on a tort theory if actions breached the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing). Whether to apply a choice of law provision in a contract to the tort of breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing often turns on how broad the contractual language is concerning the choice of law provision. See Caton v. Leach Corp., 896 F.2d 939, 943 (5th Cir.1990) (finding that California choice of law provision was too narrow and did not cover tort duty of good faith and fair dealing) (5th Cir.1990). Here, as stated, Minnesota law, which governs the franchise agreement, nullifies any choice of law provision. RRH has not presented any argument that the contract would cover any tort disputes concerning the parties. Thus, the Texas choice of law provision does not apply and, as a Court sitting in diversity, we apply New Jersey law choice of law principles for tort actions to determine whether New Jersey or Minnesota law applies.
In tort cases, New Jersey follows the Restatement (Second) of Conflict of Laws (1971), which is the "most significant relationship" test. P.V. v. Camp Jaycee, 197 N.J. 132, 962 A.2d 453, 455 (2008). This choice-of-law test is a two-step analysis in which the Court must first "examin[e] the substance of the potentially applicable laws" to determine whether an actual conflict exists. Id. at 453. If there is a conflict, the second step begins with a presumption that the local law of the state of the injury will apply. Id. Once that presumptively applicable law is identified, the choice is tested against the following contacts: (a) the place where the injury occurred, (b) the place where the conduct causing the injury occurred, (c) the domicile, residence, nationality, place of incorporation and place of business of the parties, and (d) the place where the relationship, if any, between the parties is centered. Id. Finally, the following interests are considered: the interests of interstate comity; the interests of the parties; the interests underlying the field of tort law; the interests of judicial administration; and the competing interests of the states. Id. If another state has a more significant relationship to the parties or issues, the presumption will be overcome. If not, it will govern. Id.
Both New Jersey and Minnesota recognize an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing in every contract. Compare Wood v. New Jersey Mfrs. Ins. Co., 206 N.J. 562, 577, 21 A.3d 1131, 1140 (N.J. 2011) ("We recently re-emphasized that `every contract in New Jersey contains an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing[, t]hat is, neither party shall do anything which will have the effect of destroying or injuring the right of the other party to receive the fruits of the contract[.]'"), with In re Hennepin County 1986 Recycling Bond Litigation, 540 N.W.2d 494, 502 (Minn.1995) ("Under Minnesota law, every contract includes an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing requiring that one party not `unjustifiably hinder' the other party's performance of the contract."). Since there is
Defendants present no facts in support of their claim for breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. They provide no argument in their opposition except, in their revised footnote one, defendants state that the "discussion above on Red Roof's prior material breaches goes to ... the Counterclaims on ... covenant of good faith." Defendants have not, however, presented evidence that RRF did anything which had "the effect of destroying or injuring [their right] to receive the fruits of the contract." Wade v. Kessler Institute, 343 N.J.Super. 338, 345, 778 A.2d 580, 584 (App.Div.2001). As explained above, defendants have listed several complaints concerning RRF as franchisor which not only do not amount to breaches of the franchise agreement, but also do not show that they destroyed or injured defendants' rights to receive the fruits of the contract. RRF argues that there is no dispute that AAHN abandoned the franchise and that there is no evidence in the record of bad faith or motive by RFF in terminating the franchise after abandonment. The Court agrees. Accordingly, defendants' claim for breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing will be dismissed.
The Minnesota Franchise Act, Minn.Stat. ch. 80C. ("MFA"), "was adopted in 1973 as remedial legislation designed to protect potential franchises within Minnesota from unfair contracts and other prevalent and previously unregulated abuses in a growing national franchise industry." Clapp v. Peterson, 327 N.W.2d 585, 586 (Minn.1982) (citing Martin Investors, Inc. v. Vander Bie, 269 N.W.2d 868 (Minn.1978)). In their counterclaim, defendants argue that RRF violated the MFA because it lacked good cause to terminate the franchise agreement, and that RRF failed to provide proper notice of termination. Defendants also generally allege in their amended complaint that:
RRF argues that it had good cause to terminate the franchise because defendants voluntarily abandoned the franchise on July 1, 2010.
Under Minn.Stat. § 80C.14, subd. 3(b), a franchisor cannot terminate or cancel a franchise except for good cause. Dunn v. National Beverage Corp., 745 N.W.2d 549, 553 n. 4 (Minn.2008). Good cause is defined under the act as "failure by the franchisee to substantially comply with the material and reasonable franchise requirements imposed by the franchisor including, but not limited to ... voluntary abandonment of the franchise business." M.S.A. § 80C.14 Subd. 3(b)(3). The facts are clear that defendants abandoned the franchise on July 1, 2010, and that RRF terminated the franchise agreement on July 6, 2010. Thus, RRF had good cause to terminate the agreement.
Defendants also argue in their counterclaim that RRF failed to provide proper notice of termination. The MFA prohibits termination of a franchise unless the franchisee is given "written notice setting forth all the reasons for the termination or cancellation at least 90 days in advance of termination or cancellation," and the franchisee "fails to correct the reasons stated for termination or cancellation in the notice within 60 days of receipt of the notice...." Coyne's & Co., Inc. v. Enesco, LLC, 553 F.3d 1128, 1130 n. 2 (8th Cir.2009). The MFA also provides exceptions to this rule, the first of which is "voluntary abandonment of the franchise relationship by the franchisee." See M.S.A. § 80C.14 Subd. 3(a)(1). Thus, because defendants voluntarily abandoned the franchise, RRF was not required to provide 90 days' notice of termination.
Defendants further argue in their counterclaim that RRF wrongfully required them to sign a franchise agreement that waived their right to a jury trial and consent to liquidated damages. Defendants argue that such provisions violate the MFA. RRF responds that it and AAHN executed a "Minnesota Amendment" that removed the jury waiver provision from the initial franchise agreement. Also, RRF does not dispute that the MFA prohibits it from seeking liquidated damages. RRF states that it is not seeking to collect liquidated damages; rather, it seeks to collect its lost profits.
Section 22.5 of the franchise agreement states that, to the extent permitted by law, franchisor and franchisee waive trial by jury. This section is specifically deleted in the Minnesota Agreement executed by the parties which state that "Section 22.5 of the Franchise Agreement under the heading "Applicable Law" shall be deleted in its entirety and have no force or effect...." Thus, defendants have not waived their right to a jury trial and there is no MFA violation.
With regard to lost profits, "there is no provision of Minnesota law or the contract between the parties which prevents [RRF] from seeking other contractual damages, such as damages for lost profits" under the franchise agreement. Days Inn Worldwide, Inc. v. SBSB, LLC,
As for the remaining allegations that RRF's various actions were unreasonable, defendants have provided no evidence in support and, therefore, shall be dismissed.
For the foregoing reasons, the motion for partial summary judgment filed by plaintiff will be granted in part and denied in part; the motion to amend or correct footnote one filed by defendants will be granted; and the motion to strike plaintiff's affidavit filed by defendants will be denied. The Court will enter a briefing schedule regarding the motion for damages and for attorneys' fees.