Branford Quick Mart, LLC v. Aldin Associates Ltd. Partnership

12. Branford Quick Mart, LLC v. Aldin Associates Ltd. Partnership

**Citation:** 2026 WL 191346 (Conn. App.), AC 47519

Relevant Facts

• Three plaintiffs each leased convenience stores from defendant Aldin Associates Limited Partnership.

• The plaintiffs operated the convenience stores and sold motor fuels provided by Aldin under a consignment arrangement.

• Aldin retained ownership of the motor fuels until sale to retail customers; plaintiffs received commissions on each gallon sold.

• In September-October 2021, Aldin sent written termination notices to all three plaintiffs, effective March-April 2022, providing no reason for termination.

• Subsequently, Aldin doubled the per diem rent charged to the plaintiffs.

• The plaintiffs alleged these actions violated the Connecticut Petroleum Franchise Act.

Legal Issues

Whether the business relationship between the plaintiffs and defendant constitutes a "franchise" under Connecticut's Petroleum Franchise Act; whether the plaintiffs qualify as "retailers" under the statute despite not purchasing motor fuels outright; and whether consignment relationships fall within the protective scope of the Act.

Decision by the Court

The dissenting opinion (Justice Pellegrino) would reverse the trial court, holding that the petroleum franchise act applies to the business relationships despite the consignment structure.

Reasons for the Decision

Connecticut's 1991 amendments to the Petroleum Franchise Act omitted the "purchased" requirement, broadening the statute's scope to include consignment relationships. The plaintiffs sell the defendant's motor fuels to the general public, bear risk of loss for drive-offs and theft, manage environmental and safety compliance, and transfer all proceeds to the defendant.