Under what condition does Fat Shack provide on-site opening assistance for a new franchisee?

According to Fat Shack's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, on-site opening assistance is provided under a specific condition. If the Fat Shack restaurant being opened is the franchisee's first Fat Shack restaurant, then one or more of Fat Shack's representatives will provide on-site opening assistance at the restaurant location for a minimum of 30 days. This assistance is intended to help the franchisee with the opening process.

However, the franchisee is responsible for hiring employees in advance of the opening date and is solely responsible for their training, compensation, and control. If Fat Shack's representatives need to travel more than 100 miles and incur expenses for room and board, the franchisee must pay Fat Shack $195.00 per day for each day the on-site opening assistance is provided. This means that while Fat Shack provides initial support, the franchisee bears the costs associated with travel and accommodation for the representatives if they are located far from the restaurant.

This arrangement is fairly typical in the franchise industry, where franchisors provide initial training and support but often pass on certain costs to the franchisee. It is important for prospective Fat Shack franchisees to factor in these potential expenses when budgeting for the opening of their first location. Understanding these costs upfront can help ensure a smoother and more financially predictable launch.