White Hen Pantry v. Buttke

This is an appeal from a final order dismissing the plaintiff’s complaint with prejudice. The sole issue involves an interpretation of sec. 135.04, Stats., a provision of the Wisconsin Fair Dealership Law, secs. 135.01 et seq.

The plaintiff-appellant White Hen Pantry (White Hen) is a division of Jewel Companies, Inc., and is a franchisor engaged in the business of franchising convenience retail grocery stores. The defendant-respondent dealership, Buttke Enterprises, Inc., (Buttke) operates a White Hen outlet in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, pursuant to a franchise agreement. Under the franchise…