Who is responsible for the final decision regarding the selection of a suitable site for a Fat Shack Restaurant?

According to Fat Shack's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee is ultimately responsible for the final decision regarding site selection. While Fat Shack provides assistance in the form of general criteria for a satisfactory site and a determination of whether a proposed site fulfills those criteria, the franchisee retains the responsibility for the final choice. Fat Shack bases its approval on the information provided by the franchisee and has no obligation to select or acquire a site on behalf of the franchisee.

This means that while Fat Shack offers guidance and approval, the onus is on the franchisee to find a suitable location that meets Fat Shack's criteria. The franchisee is also responsible for submitting the necessary information for Fat Shack to assess the proposed location. This includes demographics and other materials requested by Fat Shack.

It is important to note that Fat Shack's acceptance of a site does not guarantee the success or profitability of the location. The success of the Fat Shack restaurant is dependent on the franchisee's abilities as an independent businessperson. Therefore, prospective franchisees should carefully consider their site selection and conduct thorough due diligence to ensure the location is viable for their business.