Must a proposed supplier of printing services for Fat Shack advertising be approved by the franchisor?
Fat_Shack Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
If you propose to use any advertising not previously developed or approved by us, you must submit the proposed advertising to us for review and approval or, if necessary, modification, at your cost. You are responsible for the costs of printing all materials and any proposed supplier of printing services must be first approved by us.
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, if a franchisee proposes to use advertising not previously developed or approved by Fat Shack, the franchisee must submit the proposed advertising to Fat Shack for review, and any proposed supplier of printing services must be approved by Fat Shack. The franchisee bears the costs of printing all advertising materials.
This means that Fat Shack franchisees do not have complete autonomy in selecting vendors for advertising materials. Even though Fat Shack does not currently mandate specific advertising efforts or expenditures, they retain control over the branding and image by requiring approval of both the advertising content and the printing vendor.
This requirement ensures that all advertising materials meet Fat Shack's standards and protects brand consistency. While this may limit a franchisee's choice of vendors, it also helps maintain a uniform brand image across all Fat Shack locations. Franchisees should factor in the time and potential costs associated with seeking approval for both advertising content and suppliers.