FAT Brands Adds Bitcoin to the Menu as Form of Payment for Franchisees
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.
FAT Brands (NASDAQ: FAT) ha annunciato che accetterà Bitcoin come forma di pagamento per i diritti di franchising, diventando così la prima azienda di franchising nel settore della ristorazione a farlo. L'azienda, che gestisce oltre 2.300 sedi in tutto il mondo attraverso 18 marchi di ristorazione, tra cui Round Table Pizza, Fatburger e Johnny Rockets, mira a semplificare i processi di pagamento, in particolare per i suoi partner internazionali che rappresentano oltre il 20% del suo portafoglio.
Questa mossa strategica dimostra l'impegno di FAT Brands verso l'innovazione finanziaria e tecnologica, riconoscendo l'evoluzione del Bitcoin come un'attività mainstream. L'iniziativa dovrebbe semplificare il processo di pagamento per i franchisee nella loro rete globale di ristoranti.
FAT Brands (NASDAQ: FAT) ha anunciado que aceptará Bitcoin como forma de pago para los derechos de franquicia, convirtiéndose en la primera empresa de franquicias de restaurantes en hacerlo. La empresa, que opera más de 2,300 ubicaciones en todo el mundo a través de 18 marcas de restaurantes, incluyendo Round Table Pizza, Fatburger y Johnny Rockets, tiene como objetivo simplificar los procesos de pago, especialmente para sus socios internacionales que representan más del 20% de su cartera.
Este movimiento estratégico demuestra el compromiso de FAT Brands con la innovación financiera y tecnológica, reconociendo la evolución del Bitcoin como un activo común. Se espera que la iniciativa simplifique el proceso de pago para los franquiciados en su red global de restaurantes.
FAT Brands (NASDAQ: FAT)는 Bitcoin을 프랜차이즈 로열티 지급의 결제 수단으로 수용할 것이라고 발표하며, 식당 프랜차이즈 회사 중 최초로 이를 시행하게 되었습니다. 18개의 식당 브랜드를 포함하여 전 세계에 2,300개 이상의 매장을 운영하는 이 회사는, 특히 포트폴리오의 20% 이상을 차지하는 국제 파트너를 위해 결제 프로세스를 간소화하는 것을 목표로 하고 있습니다.
이 전략적 결정은 FAT Brands가 재정 및 기술 혁신에 대한 헌신을 보여주며, Bitcoin이 주류 자산으로 발전하고 있음을 인식하는 것입니다. 이 이니셔티브는 전 세계 식당 네트워크의 프랜차이즈를 위한 결제 프로세스를 간소화할 것으로 기대됩니다.
FAT Brands (NASDAQ: FAT) a annoncé qu'elle acceptera le Bitcoin comme moyen de paiement pour les redevances des franchisés, devenant ainsi la première entreprise de franchise de restauration à le faire. L'entreprise, qui exploite plus de 2 300 établissements dans le monde à travers 18 marques de restauration, dont Round Table Pizza, Fatburger et Johnny Rockets, vise à simplifier les processus de paiement, en particulier pour ses partenaires internationaux qui représentent plus de 20 % de son portefeuille.
Ce mouvement stratégique démontre l'engagement de FAT Brands envers l'innovation financière et technologique, reconnaissant l'évolution du Bitcoin en tant qu'actif grand public. L'initiative devrait simplifier le processus de paiement pour les franchisés au sein de leur réseau mondial de restaurants.
FAT Brands (NASDAQ: FAT) hat angekündigt, Bitcoin als Zahlungsmittel für Franchisegebühren zu akzeptieren und wird damit das erste Restaurant-Franchise-Unternehmen, das dies tut. Das Unternehmen, das über 2.300 Standorte weltweit in 18 Restaurantmarken wie Round Table Pizza, Fatburger und Johnny Rockets verfügt, zielt darauf ab, die Zahlungsprozesse zu optimieren, insbesondere für seine internationalen Partner, die mehr als 20 % seines Portfolios ausmachen.
Dieser strategische Schritt zeigt das Engagement von FAT Brands für finanzielle und technologische Innovation und erkennt die Entwicklung von Bitcoin zu einem Mainstream-Asset an. Die Initiative wird voraussichtlich den Zahlungsprozess für Franchise-Nehmer in ihrem globalen Netzwerk von Restaurants vereinfachen.
- First-mover advantage in cryptocurrency adoption among restaurant franchises
- Potential for improved payment efficiency, especially for international operations
- Strategic positioning in financial technology innovation
- Exposure to Bitcoin's price volatility risk
- Potential regulatory and compliance challenges with cryptocurrency transactions
Insights
FAT Brands' move to accept Bitcoin for franchisee royalty payments represents a strategic operational innovation with several potential benefits. As the first restaurant franchise to implement cryptocurrency payments at this level, they're positioning themselves at the intersection of food service and financial technology.
The primary value proposition appears focused on their international franchisees, which comprise
However, the announcement lacks critical implementation details. We don't know whether FAT Brands will immediately convert Bitcoin to fiat currency or maintain some cryptocurrency exposure. This distinction significantly impacts their risk profile. If converting immediately, this becomes primarily a payment processing enhancement rather than a balance sheet strategy.
For a company with over 2,300 locations globally, even modest improvements in payment efficiency could yield meaningful operational benefits. The initiative might also attract tech-forward franchisee prospects, creating a secondary benefit in franchise development efforts.
While innovative, this should be viewed as an incremental operational enhancement rather than a transformative business model change. The true financial impact will depend on implementation specifics, adoption rate among franchisees, and the company's cryptocurrency management approach.
FAT Brands' Bitcoin acceptance strategy highlights an interesting operational innovation in the franchise restaurant space. With 18 restaurant brands across multiple service categories and 2,300+ units worldwide, their scale creates a meaningful test case for cryptocurrency in franchise payment systems.
Franchise systems fundamentally rely on efficient royalty collection. International operators face particular challenges with currency conversion, banking delays, and cross-border transaction fees. By implementing Bitcoin payments, FAT Brands addresses these pain points for the
From a competitive standpoint, this positions FAT Brands as an innovator in franchise operations. The restaurant franchising sector typically evolves slowly regarding payment technologies, making this a differentiator when recruiting new franchisees. Tech-forward operational systems can enhance the perceived value of a franchise offering.
For existing franchisees, the optional nature of this payment method provides flexibility without disrupting established processes. This approach demonstrates thoughtful implementation—offering innovation without forcing adoption.
The move carries minimal downside risk while potentially delivering meaningful operational benefits and positioning value. However, the true impact will depend on franchisee adoption rates and the specific implementation details around currency conversion, accounting practices, and payment processing costs.
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?
What percentage of FAT Brands' portfolio consists of international partners?
Which restaurant brands are included in FAT Brands' Bitcoin payment initiative?
Is FAT Brands the first restaurant franchise company to accept Bitcoin for royalty payments?
