Does Fat Shack currently have specific requirements for the administrative office computer hardware and software?

According to Fat Shack's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to obtain a computer system for their administrative office to maintain financial, payroll, and other business records. While Fat Shack specifies that a laptop or similar computer with business software can be used, they currently do not have specific requirements regarding the computer hardware and software. However, Fat Shack retains the right to establish such standards in the future, which could necessitate franchisees to upgrade or convert their systems at their own cost.

In addition to the administrative office computer, Fat Shack franchisees must purchase computer equipment and software for their back office and an electronic Point of Sale (POS) system that meets Fat Shack's specifications. The POS system hardware currently approved is the Toast point of sale system, customized for Fat Shack restaurants, including credit card processing capabilities. The cost for the computer system and software ranges from $7,000 for a two-terminal system to $12,000 for a four-terminal system, with monthly support and maintenance costs estimated between $350 and $500.

Fat Shack franchisees are required to purchase all modifications and upgrades to the POS system software from the designated supplier. Franchisees cannot install unapproved software on the POS system, and the installation, configuration, integration, and operation must adhere to Fat Shack's standards, which are subject to change. Fat Shack also has the right to independently access all POS system information. These stipulations ensure that Fat Shack can maintain oversight and consistency across all franchise locations, but they also place the financial burden of upgrades and modifications on the franchisee.