What happens if a Fat Shack franchisee requests changes to the architectural drawings?
Fat_Shack Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must, at your expense, ensure that the FAT SHACK Restaurant is constructed, converted, designed and decorated, including installing outdoor signage, in accordance with our plans and specifications, through the assistance of contractors, architects and suppliers designated or approved by us. See also Item 7 for a discussion of related fees. We reserve the right to designate or approve the supplier of architectural drawings. If you request a change to the architectural drawings provided, we must review and approve those changes.
Our review and approval of the lease or purchase agreement and our review and approval of any changes to the architectural drawings, as applicable, is solely for our benefit, to satisfy us that the proposed documents comply with our minimum requirements and that our interests and those of our affiliates are protected. The legal counsel and any other professional advisors we engage to assist with the review will be acting only on our behalf and will not be representing you or your interests in relation to the review and approval. It is important that you review the lease closely and understand all of the terms and conditions before signing it. You may want to have your own attorney review the lease on your behalf at your expense, and we recommend that you do so.
Source: Item 8 — Restrictions on Sources of Products and Services (FDD pages 22–26)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Fat Shack's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must ensure that the Fat Shack restaurant is constructed, converted, designed, and decorated according to Fat Shack's plans and specifications. This includes installing outdoor signage with the assistance of contractors, architects, and suppliers designated or approved by Fat Shack. Fat Shack reserves the right to designate or approve the supplier of architectural drawings.
If a franchisee requests changes to the architectural drawings provided by Fat Shack, the franchisor must review and approve those changes. Fat Shack's review and approval of any changes to the architectural drawings is solely for their benefit. This ensures that the proposed documents comply with Fat Shack's minimum requirements and that their interests and those of their affiliates are protected.
Prospective franchisees should note that Fat Shack's approval of architectural drawings does not constitute legal representation. Fat Shack's legal counsel and professional advisors are acting only on behalf of Fat Shack and will not represent the franchisee's interests. Therefore, it is important for franchisees to closely review the lease and understand all terms and conditions before signing, and Fat Shack recommends that franchisees have their own attorney review the lease on their behalf at their own expense.