Who is responsible for travel and living expenses associated with the refresher operations training program for a Fat Shack franchise?
Fat_Shack Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Throughout the term of this Agreement, FSI reserves the right to conduct training programs or seminars at locations to be determined by FSI to discuss relevant business trends and share new information relating to the FAT SHACK Restaurant business. Attendance at the seminar is optional unless FSI gives Franchisee at least 30 days prior written notice that the seminar is mandatory, in which case Franchisee (or its Managing Owner) or its General Manager is required to attend. FSI shall not require that Franchisee attend any on-going training programs or seminars more than twice a year. Mandatory training programs and seminars shall not last more than five days. FSI may charge a tuition or fee in an amount payable in advance, commensurate with the then current published price of FSI for such training programs or seminars. Franchisee will also be responsible for any and all transportation and living expenses, which are incurred in connection with attendance at such additional training programs or seminars.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 53–223)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Fat Shack Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee is responsible for covering all travel and living expenses incurred by their personnel while attending additional training programs or seminars. This includes any transportation and accommodation costs associated with the training.
Fat Shack reserves the right to conduct these training programs or seminars to discuss business trends and share new information relevant to the Fat Shack Restaurant business. While attendance is typically optional, Fat Shack can mandate attendance with at least 30 days' prior written notice, requiring either the franchisee (or their Managing Owner) or the General Manager to attend. Fat Shack will not require attendance more than twice a year, and these mandatory programs will not exceed five days in length.
In addition to covering travel and living expenses, Fat Shack may also charge a tuition or fee for these training programs or seminars. This fee would be commensurate with Fat Shack's current published prices for such training and is payable in advance. Therefore, franchisees need to budget not only for the direct costs of training but also for potential travel and accommodation expenses for themselves or their managers.