What factors can affect the time it takes to open a Fat Shack restaurant?
Fat_Shack Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We estimate that the typical length of time between the date you sign the Franchise Agreement and the date your FAT SHACK Restaurant opens will be three to 12 months. The factors which may affect this time period are your ability to locate a site, secure financing, and obtain a lease; the time that it takes you to apply for and receive all required permits, certificates and licenses from local authorities; the extent to which you must upgrade or remodel an existing location; the delivery schedule for equipment, inventory and supplies; and the time that it takes you to complete training. You must open your FAT SHACK Restaurant within 18 months after you sign the Franchise Agreement (Section 6.9, Franchise Agreement), unless we agree otherwise. We will extend the FAT SHACK Restaurant opening deadline for up to three successive 90-day periods, on those terms discussed above.
Training Program
Initial Training. Before the opening of your FAT SHACK Restaurant, you or your General Manager must attend and complete to our satisfaction the initial training program. This training program is typically conducted no later than 30 days before the opening of your Restaurant. We do not charge you for this training for up to three individuals, although you pay the travel, living expenses and wages for you and all employees who attend the training session.
All training is currently conducted in the Fort Collins, Colorado or Denver, Colorado metro areas, however we may elect to conduct training at another location on a case-by-case basis at our discretion. The training includes classroom training and on-the-job training at our affiliate's FAT SHACK Restaurant in Fort Collins, Colorado unless we agree to hands-on training at another FAT SHACK Restaurant location. The initial training program lasts approximately three to four days.
If you are opening your first FAT SHACK Restaurant, we provide up to 30 days of on-site training at your FAT SHACK Restaurant to you and your staff, at a mutually agreed time at or around opening, to assist you in the opening of your FAT SHACK Restaurant.
Source: Item 11 — Franchisor's Assistance, Advertising, Computer Systems, and Training (FDD pages 28–36)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Fat Shack's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the estimated time between signing the Franchise Agreement and opening a Fat Shack restaurant is typically three to 12 months. Several factors can influence this timeframe. These include the franchisee's ability to locate a suitable site, secure financing, and obtain a lease. The time required to obtain necessary permits, certificates, and licenses from local authorities also plays a significant role. The extent of upgrades or remodeling needed for an existing location can further affect the opening timeline. Additionally, the delivery schedule for equipment, inventory, and supplies, as well as the time it takes to complete training, are critical factors.
Fat Shack requires franchisees to open their restaurant within 18 months of signing the Franchise Agreement, but they may grant extensions. The document states that Fat Shack may extend the opening deadline for up to three successive 90-day periods. This flexibility can be crucial for franchisees who encounter unexpected delays during the opening process. However, it's important to note that these extensions are not guaranteed and may be subject to certain terms and conditions.
Site selection is a particularly important factor. The FDD indicates that franchisees must select a location and secure the right to use it (through a lease or purchase) within 270 days of signing the Franchise Agreement. Fat Shack may also grant extensions to this deadline under specific conditions, such as factors beyond the franchisee's control preventing them from meeting the deadline, reasonable efforts to find an acceptable site, and timely submission of extension requests. For any extensions past the first 90-day extension, the franchisee must pay a Site Acquisition Extension Fee for each additional 90-day extension period. Failure to obtain site approval within the specified timeframe could lead to termination of the Franchise Agreement.