FAT Brands Adds Bitcoin to the Menu as Form of Payment for Franchisees

Rhea-AI Summary

FAT Brands (NASDAQ: FAT) has announced it will accept Bitcoin as a form of payment for franchisee royalty payments, becoming the first restaurant franchise company to do so. The company, which operates over 2,300 locations worldwide across 18 restaurant brands including Round Table Pizza, Fatburger, and Johnny Rockets, aims to streamline payment processes, particularly for its international partners who represent over 20% of its portfolio.

The strategic move demonstrates FAT Brands' commitment to financial and technological innovation, recognizing Bitcoin's evolution into a mainstream asset. The initiative is expected to simplify the payment process for franchisees across their global network of restaurants.

Positive

• First-mover advantage in cryptocurrency adoption among restaurant franchises
• Potential for improved payment efficiency, especially for international operations
• Strategic positioning in financial technology innovation

Negative

• Exposure to Bitcoin's price volatility risk
• Potential regulatory and compliance challenges with cryptocurrency transactions

Global Restaurant Franchising Company Accepts Cryptocurrency for Franchisee Royalty Payments 

LOS ANGELES, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: FAT) (“FAT Brands” or the “Company”), a leading global franchising company and parent company of iconic brands including Round Table Pizza, Fatburger, Johnny Rockets, Twin Peaks, Fazoli’s and 13 other restaurant concepts, announced it is officially accepting Bitcoin for franchisee royalty payments. With over 2,300 locations worldwide, the Company is the first restaurant franchise to accept royalty payments in cryptocurrency. The move underscores FAT Brands’ commitment to financial and technological innovation.

“Over the years, Bitcoin has transformed into a mainstream asset and, as a Company, we see great value in expanding our forms of payments for our franchisees, especially for our international partners, who make up over 20 percent of our portfolio,” said Thayer Wiederhorn, COO of FAT Brands. “We look forward to utilizing Bitcoin as an efficient tool for streamlining and simplifying the payment process and are excited to be at the forefront of this evolution in embracing Bitcoin as it continues to grow in popularity.”

For more information on FAT Brands, please visit www.fatbrands.com.

About FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands

FAT Brands (NASDAQ: FAT) is a leading global franchising company that strategically acquires, markets, and develops fast casual, quick-service, casual dining, and polished casual dining concepts around the world. The Company currently owns 18 restaurant brands: Round Table Pizza, Fatburger, Marble Slab Creamery, Johnny Rockets, Fazoli’s, Twin Peaks, Great American Cookies, Smokey Bones, Hot Dog on a Stick, Buffalo’s Cafe & Express, Hurricane Grill & Wings, Pretzelmaker, Elevation Burger, Native Grill & Wings, Yalla Mediterranean and Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses, and franchises and owns over 2,300 units worldwide. For more information on FAT Brands, please visit www.fatbrands.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Erin Mandzik
emandzik@fatbrands.com
860-212-6509

FAQ

How many locations will accept Bitcoin payments for FAT Brands franchisee royalties?

Over 2,300 FAT Brands locations worldwide will have the option to pay franchisee royalties using Bitcoin.

What percentage of FAT Brands' portfolio consists of international partners?

International partners make up over 20% of FAT Brands' portfolio.

Which restaurant brands are included in FAT Brands' Bitcoin payment initiative?

All 18 FAT Brands including Round Table Pizza, Fatburger, Johnny Rockets, Twin Peaks, and Fazoli's are included in this initiative.

Is FAT Brands the first restaurant franchise company to accept Bitcoin for royalty payments?

Yes, FAT Brands is the first restaurant franchise company to accept cryptocurrency for franchisee royalty payments.