Bartholomew v. Burger King Corp.

15 F. Supp. 3d 1043 (2014)

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Bartholomew v. Burger King Corp.

United States District Court for the District of Hawaii
15 F. Supp. 3d 1043 (2014)

Facts

Burger King Corporation (BK) (defendant) franchised a fast-food restaurant to Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) (defendant). No BK employees worked at the restaurant. The franchise agreement between BK and AAFES expressly disclaimed the existence of an agency relationship between BK and AAFES and provided that BK had no control over the terms and conditions of employment of AAFES’s employees. However, the franchise agreement gave BK the right to enter and inspect the restaurant. The franchise agreement also required AAFES to strictly comply with BK’s food-handling and preparation procedures as well as quality-assurance standards. BK’s franchise manual also set forth what products, supplies, and equipment were to be used by AAFES. AAFES was required under the franchise agreement to post a sign notifying the public that AAFES independently owned and operated the restaurant, but it was unclear whether AAFES actually did so. BK’s brand logo was prominently displayed throughout the restaurant. Clark Bartholomew (plaintiff) was injured after eating a sandwich prepared at the fast-food restaurant that contained metal objects. It was unclear how the metal objects got into the sandwich. Bartholomew sued both BK and AAFES for negligence. BK motioned for summary judgment, arguing that BK was not responsible for the injuries because BK did not have sufficient control over the operations of the restaurant.

Rule of Law

Issue

Holding and Reasoning (Seabright, J.)

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