Are guarantors of a Fat Shack franchise bound by the restrictive covenants in the Franchise Agreement?
Fat_Shack Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
EXHIBIT V TO FRANCHISE AGREEMENT
GUARANTY AND ASSUMPTION OF FRANCHISEE'S OBLIGATIONS
- A. In consideration of, and as an inducement to, the execution of the above Franchise Agreement ("Franchise Agreement") by FAT SHACK INC. ("FSI"), each of the undersigned hereby personally and unconditionally:
-
- Guarantees to FSI and its successors and assigns, for the term of the Franchise Agreement, including renewals thereof, that franchisee named on the signature page ("Franchisee") shall punctually pay and perform each and every undertaking, agreement and covenant set forth in the Franchise Agreement; and
-
- Agrees to be personally bound by, and personally liable for the breach of, each and every provision in the Franchise Agreement, including but not limited to, the terms of the articles and sections pertaining to non-competition during and after the term, confidentiality and the Marks and copyrighted works of FSI.
- B. Each of the undersigned waives the following:
-
- Acceptance and notice of acceptance by FSI of the foregoing undertaking;
-
-
- Notice of demand for payment of any indebtedness or nonperformance of any obligations hereby guaranteed;
-
- Protest and notice of default to any party with respect to the indebtedness or nonperformance of any obligations hereby guaranteed;
-
- Any right he or she may have to require that any action be brought against Franchisee or any other person as a condition of liability; and
-
- Notice of any amendment, modification, deletion or addition of any term or condition of or to any of the obligations hereby guaranteed.
-
- Notice of any termination as to future liability of any other guarantor.
-
- Any and all other notices and legal or equitable defenses to which he or she may be entitled.
- C. Each of the undersigned consents and agrees that:
-
- His or her direct and immediate liability under this guaranty will be joint and several;
-
-
- He or she will render any payment or performance required under the Franchise Agreement upon demand if Franchisee fails or refuses punctually to do so;
-
- His or her liability hereunder will not be contingent or conditioned upon pursuit by FSI of any remedies against Franchisee or any other person; and
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 53–223)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Fat Shack's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, guarantors are indeed bound by the restrictive covenants in the Franchise Agreement. As stated in Exhibit V to the Franchise Agreement, each guarantor must agree to be personally bound by, and personally liable for the breach of, each and every provision in the Franchise Agreement. This explicitly includes, but is not limited to, the terms of the articles and sections pertaining to non-competition during and after the term, confidentiality, and the Marks and copyrighted works of FSI.
This means that anyone signing a guaranty for a Fat Shack franchise is not only guaranteeing the franchisee's financial obligations but also their adherence to all terms of the Franchise Agreement. This includes restrictions on operating competing businesses during and after the franchise term, maintaining confidentiality, and protecting Fat Shack's intellectual property. The guarantor's obligations extend for the entire term of the Franchise Agreement, including any renewals.
Furthermore, the guarantor waives several rights, including the right to require Fat Shack to first pursue action against the franchisee before seeking recourse from the guarantor. The guarantor also consents to joint and several liability, meaning Fat Shack can pursue any guarantor for the full amount of any breach, regardless of the actions of other guarantors or the franchisee. This is a significant commitment, as the guarantor's personal assets are at risk if the franchisee fails to comply with the Franchise Agreement.
Prospective Fat Shack franchisees should ensure that any individuals acting as guarantors fully understand the implications of this commitment, including the restrictive covenants. Guarantors should carefully review the Franchise Agreement and seek legal counsel to fully understand their obligations and potential liabilities. This is a standard practice in franchising, as franchisors seek to protect their brand and system by ensuring that all parties with a significant interest in the franchise are bound by its terms.