Is serving alcohol a requirement for Fat Shack restaurants?
Fat_Shack Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We franchise the operation of specialty quick service sandwich restaurants under the name Fat Shack® ("FAT SHACK Restaurants" or "Restaurants") that sell "Fat Sandwiches," burgers and wings, together with appetizers, desserts and hot and cold beverages, and related merchandise, for dine in, takeout and delivery. Some FAT SHACK Restaurants serve alcohol beverages but serving alcohol
beverages is optional. FAT SHACK Restaurants specialize in late night delivery of its products to its customers.
The Franchise
A franchise agreement ("Franchise Agreement"), which is attached as Attachment A to this Disclosure Document, is signed for each FAT SHACK Restaurant purchased. You will receive the right to use our Marks and Licensed Methods to operate your FAT SHACK Restaurant at a location approved by us ("Restaurant Location") and identified in the Franchise Agreement.
A FAT SHACK Restaurant may be located in a strip mall or other suitable facility that we will approve before you develop the facility.
Source: Item 1 — The Franchisor and any Parents, Predecessors, and Affiliates (FDD pages 9–11)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Fat Shack's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, serving alcohol is optional for franchisees. While some Fat Shack restaurants do serve alcoholic beverages, it is not a requirement to operate a franchise. However, if a franchisee chooses to serve beer and wine, they must obtain a liquor license and comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
These regulations can vary significantly in terms of procedures, difficulty, and costs associated with obtaining a license. There may also be restrictions on how alcohol can be sold and potential liability imposed by dram shop laws, which relate to injuries connected to the sale and consumption of alcohol.
Therefore, prospective Fat Shack franchisees need to carefully consider the implications of serving alcohol, including the regulatory requirements and potential liabilities, before deciding whether to offer it at their restaurant. Consulting with an attorney regarding state and local laws is recommended to ensure full compliance.