On what does Fat Shack base its approval of a proposed site?

According to Fat Shack's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Fat Shack bases its approval of a proposed site on the information that the franchisee submits. This information must be in a form sufficient to allow Fat Shack to assess the proposed location. Fat Shack offers assistance related to site acceptance, but the franchisee acknowledges that Fat Shack is under no obligation to select or acquire a site on behalf of the franchisee. The franchisee is solely obligated for site selection, acquisition, and development, unless otherwise agreed in writing. Fat Shack's acceptance of a site does not guarantee the site's success or profitability.

Before formally accepting a site selected by the franchisee, Fat Shack will provide general criteria for a satisfactory site and determine whether the proposed site fulfills the necessary criteria. The franchisee must submit a completed site submittal package, including demographics and other materials requested by Fat Shack, containing all information required to assess the proposed restaurant location. Fat Shack's approval does not guarantee, recommend, or endorse the restaurant location or target area. The success of the Fat Shack restaurant depends on the franchisee's abilities as an independent businessperson.

Once Fat Shack approves the restaurant location, the franchisee's proposed lease or purchase agreement must be reviewed and certified as acceptable by Fat Shack. After lease approval, Fat Shack and the franchisee will mutually develop the layout of the restaurant location. Alternatively, the franchisee may hire an architect to create architectural drawings for the restaurant location, which are subject to Fat Shack's approval. The franchisee may not sign a lease or use architectural drawings that Fat Shack has not approved. Fat Shack's approval of a lease and architectural drawings only indicates that they meet Fat Shack's minimum criteria and protect the interests of Fat Shack and its affiliates.