What has been your most interesting case or transaction lately, and how did you work through it?
I worked on the Self Esteem Brands-Orangetheory Fitness merger. Based on the powerhouse brands and the strong leadership on both sides, it was a very interesting transaction. The importance of clear communication, as well as the clarity of common vision and purpose is integral in any combination. That’s even more so with this one, as you had two of the largest brands in the health and fitness space coming together.
—Joe Fittante, Larkin Hoffman
Assisting our client with their master license rights in Canada for a celebrity chef-owned restaurant brand. We were persistent in our discussions and negotiations with the U.S. master licensor given the market differences between the U.S. and Canada, as well as the value of the Canadian dollar vis-a-vis the U.S. dollar.
—Debi Sutin, Gowling WLG
Kristian “Kit” Higgs, Kit Franchise Law
I worked with a client who was stuck on a particular clause in the franchise agreement. Rather than focusing on worst-case scenarios, I walked him through how similar clauses are typically enforced in practice and shared examples of how other franchisees navigate them successfully.
By reframing the discussion with real-world experience, we turned uncertainty into understanding. That’s the value of a good FDD review—it’s not just about red flags, but about helping candidates make informed, confident decisions.
—Kristian “Kit” Higgs, Kit Franchise Law
I’m representing a former franchisee of a dessert-based concept. The franchisor is claiming that the generic recipes are trade secrets. I’ve spent hours looking at cookbooks going back 80 years to prove the substitutions are commonly known.
—Caroline Fichter, Bundy & Fichter
Successfully representing a franchisee association in a use-of-technology dispute with their franchisor. The dispute centered on our client’s members’ use of their franchisor’s technology. By agreement, a skilled, mutually acceptable mediator with franchise law experience, who had previously resolved several prior franchisee/franchisor disputes, was brought in. In a ‘one day’ mediation, the matter was concluded at 11:59 p.m.
—J. Michael Dady, Dady & Gardner
