What is the maximum amount a Fat Shack franchisee might pay for on-site opening assistance?
Fat_Shack Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 | Column 4 | Column 5 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type of expenditure | Amount (Low) | Amount (High) | Method Of Payment | When Due | To Whom Payment Is To Be Made |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $35,000 | $35,000 | Lump Sum | At signing of Franchise | Us |
| (See Note 1) | Agreement | ||||
| Lease Costs | $4,000 | $15,000 | As arranged | Before Opening | Landlord |
| (See Note 2) | |||||
| Space Acquisition and Leasehold Improvements (See Note 3) | $50,000 | $200,000 | As arranged | Before Opening | Other Suppliers |
| Architectura |
Source: Item 7 — Estimated Initial Investment (FDD pages 18–22)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Fat Shack's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the maximum amount a franchisee might pay for on-site opening assistance is $5,850. This fee is a lump sum payment due before opening to Fat Shack.
The FDD specifies in Note 14 that this on-site opening assistance fee is only payable if Fat Shack representatives must travel more than 100 miles and incur room and board expenses to provide opening assistance at the franchisee's first Fat Shack Restaurant. This suggests that the fee covers the franchisor's travel and accommodation costs when providing in-person support during the restaurant's initial launch.
This fee is listed as ranging from $0 to $5,850, meaning it is possible that a franchisee may not have to pay this fee at all if they are located within 100 miles of Fat Shack's representatives or if the franchisor does not deem on-site assistance necessary. Prospective franchisees should clarify with Fat Shack the specific circumstances that would trigger this fee and what services are included in the on-site assistance.