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To the Valued NAASF Community,
I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to the entire membership and your Board of Directors for selecting me and my law firm, Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A., to serve as NAASF’s outside General Counsel.
Representing franchisees and their associations has been both my passion and privilege for nearly four decades. I have been at the forefront of protecting the legal rights and interests of franchisees and franchise associations domestically and internationally for over 38 years. Like David v. Goliath, I help level the playing field and endeavor to balance the power between franchisees and franchisors.
My law firm and I have played a critical role as the ‘Great Equalizer’ for franchisee clients from over 500 different franchise systems operating in about 40 states and 20 countries. Personally, I am proud to be repeatedly recognized on a national and international level as an experienced, intelligent, articulate, and creative commercial lawyer and negotiator. My talented team and I handle a variety of complex commercial trial and business litigation disputes, including arbitration and mediation, in federal and state courts nationwide. Our portfolio of past franchise clients includes legal and business interaction with among the biggest names in the restaurant, hotel, retail, service, and manufacturing industries, such as franchisees and franchisee associations from McDonald’s, Burger King, Jack-in-the-Box, Coca-Cola, Harley Davidson, ServPro, Marriott, Wyndham, Sotheby’s, Massage Envy, Home Instead, BrightStar Care, and IHG Hotels and Resorts, among many others. Our commitment to NAASF is to bring this extensive reservoir of knowledge and experience to the forefront, addressing the intricate issues within the Subway franchise system and preemptively preventing and tackling potential future relationship challenges.
I want to clarify that NAASF’s retention of me and my law firm should not be misconstrued as an indication that NAASF is imminently prepared to initiate litigation against Subway. While we are known in the franchise industry as aggressive and creative litigators, we are first and foremost, problem solvers, negotiators and deal makers. We prioritize problem-solving and strive for amicable resolutions with franchisors, advocating litigation only as a final recourse. Without first attempting to resolve issues through alternative dispute resolution measures, we would not be able to achieve the necessary level of conviction needed to launch a litigation strategy, when absolutely necessary. I can share countless stories of representing clients across all industries and resolving their most pressing concerns all without filing a single lawsuit. With that said, we stand ready to vigorously pursue all available legal remedies, including litigation, if it becomes essential. If so, you can rest assured that NAASF and its members will be represented by the finest and most seasoned franchise law experts in the country and internationally.
You should feel free to contact me, Himanshu Patel, Mary Nikezic, and Alec Shelowitz for advice and counsel. We understand that the collective strength and unity of NAASF’s membership are its most valuable assets. We are enthusiastic about contributing to this dynamic and look forward to a productive collaboration with NAASF and its members so as to work towards an alignment of interests between NAASF and Subway Corporate which is mutually beneficial. I look forward to meeting all of you virtually at the Town Hall scheduled for later this month.
Robert
ROBERT ZARCO ESQ.
Attorney at Law / Founding Partner
ZARCO EINHORN SALKOWSKI P.A.
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