2007
10
$550,000
$40,000
$950,000
No
Fat Pat’s Bar & Grill is one of America’s most exciting emerging casual dining and sports bar franchises, combining award-winning burgers, a friendly neighborhood vibe, and a high-energy sports experience under one roof. Founded in Louisiana, the brand has earned a loyal following for its made-from-scratch comfort food, craft beer selection, and fun, community-driven atmosphere that keeps guests coming back week after week.
The franchise blends the spirit of Southern hospitality with a proven business model that works in both small towns and bustling metro markets. Fat Pat’s Bar & Grill has become a go-to spot for friends, families, and sports lovers alike — known for its juicy burgers, signature wings, hearty appetizers, and upbeat service. With expanding demand for locally rooted, experience-based dining concepts, Fat Pat’s offers franchisees a unique opportunity to build a strong business in the $80-billion-plus U.S. casual dining industry.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Fat Pat’s Bar & Grill represents an ideal investment for entrepreneurs who want to be part of a fast-growing, lifestyle-driven restaurant brand with deep community appeal. The franchise stands out because:
Proven Local Success: Fat Pat’s began as a family-owned Louisiana brand and has since developed a loyal regional customer base that fuels its expansion potential nationwide.
Strong Unit Economics: Optimized kitchen operations, efficient labor management, and high food-to-alcohol ratio drive healthy profit margins.
Broad Customer Appeal: The menu attracts diverse age groups — from families at lunch to sports fans at night — maximizing daypart revenue.
Scalable Model: Whether you’re launching one location or multiple territories, the brand’s flexible footprint (stand-alone, strip mall, or end-cap units) fits a variety of real estate settings.
Community & Culture: Fat Pat’s thrives on connection — sponsoring local teams, hosting events, and positioning franchisees as local hospitality leaders.
Founded: 2007
Founders: Pat and Joe Lacombe
Headquarters: Lafayette, Louisiana, USA
Industry Category: Food & Beverage – Casual Dining / Sports Bar
Current Franchise Units: 10+ (company-owned and franchised combined)
Ownership Type: Privately held, family-founded American brand
Fat Pat’s Bar & Grill began its journey in 2007 when brothers Pat and Joe Lacombe decided to open a neighborhood spot that served great burgers, cold beer, and good times. What started as a single local restaurant in Lafayette, Louisiana quickly gained attention for its handcrafted burgers, flavorful wings, and genuine Southern hospitality. The combination of casual dining comfort and energetic sports bar atmosphere made Fat Pat’s a local favorite — a place where friends and families gathered for every occasion, from weekday lunches to game nights.
As word spread, the brand evolved from a local gem into a regional powerhouse, expanding across Louisiana and neighboring markets. Over time, Fat Pat’s fine-tuned its operations and customer experience, paving the way for a scalable franchise model that maintains the authenticity of its original concept while offering strong unit economics and replicable systems.
The brand has built a reputation for consistent quality, friendly service, and community engagement, often sponsoring local sports teams and hosting charity events. Today, Fat Pat’s Bar & Grill continues to grow, staying true to its Louisiana roots while bringing its “Eat Good, Feel Good, Play Hard” culture to new cities across the United States.
Fat Pat’s is part of the fast-growing casual dining sector — an $80+ billion industry known for blending social experience with high-quality, affordable food. Backed by years of local success and a dedicated leadership team, Fat Pat’s Bar & Grill represents a powerful entry point for entrepreneurs seeking a trusted, American-born restaurant brand with modern appeal and strong community ties.
Fat Pat’s Bar & Grill ensures every franchisee receives comprehensive guidance and hands-on assistance throughout the entire ownership journey.
Pre-Launch Support:
Site selection, demographic research, and lease negotiation assistance
Restaurant layout, kitchen design, and construction guidance
Vendor partnerships for equipment, ingredients, and POS systems
Training:
In-store operations training for owners and management teams (culinary, bar management, inventory control, service standards)
Front-of-house and back-of-house employee training programs
Brand culture immersion and customer engagement techniques
Operational & Marketing Support:
Grand opening marketing plan with social media, local PR, and promotions
Access to digital marketing templates, loyalty programs, and in-house menu design
Ongoing field visits, operational audits, and performance coaching
Regular franchise conferences and best-practice workshops
Fat Pat’s team provides all the tools needed to operate efficiently, uphold the brand’s high standards, and grow long-term profitability.
The ideal Fat Pat’s Bar & Grill franchisee is someone who thrives on building relationships, delivering memorable experiences, and being an active part of their local community. This franchise isn’t just about serving burgers and beer — it’s about creating a social hub where guests feel like family. Fat Pat’s looks for partners who share the brand’s commitment to hospitality, consistency, and fun.
Here’s what makes an ideal Fat Pat’s franchise owner:
1. Passion for Hospitality & People
Fat Pat’s is built on friendly service, community connection, and genuine care for customers. The most successful franchisees are hands-on leaders who enjoy interacting with guests, mentoring staff, and cultivating a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re greeting regulars or hosting game-day events, your enthusiasm directly drives your restaurant’s success.
2. Business & Operational Mindset
While restaurant experience is an advantage, it’s not a strict requirement. Franchisees with prior backgrounds in restaurant management, retail operations, or business ownership typically excel in Fat Pat’s system. The brand provides structured training, so even first-time restaurateurs can confidently manage kitchen operations, staffing, and marketing with the right drive and discipline.
3. Financial Strength & Long-Term Vision
To ensure each unit launches with the right foundation, prospective owners should meet the following financial qualifications:
Minimum Liquid Capital: $250,000
Net Worth Requirement: $600,000+
Total Investment Range: $550,000 – $950,000
Ideal candidates understand that restaurant success takes time and commitment. They are prepared for the initial build-out phase and focused on long-term brand growth within their territory.
4. Community-Oriented Leaders
Fat Pat’s is deeply tied to the neighborhoods it serves. The best franchisees are local ambassadors — sponsoring youth sports teams, engaging with charities, and hosting local events. This community-first approach not only strengthens brand awareness but also builds a loyal customer base that sustains the business year-round.
5. Team-Building & Leadership Skills
A successful Fat Pat’s franchise depends on strong leadership. Ideal candidates have experience managing teams of 15–25 employees, maintaining a positive work culture, and ensuring operational consistency. Franchisees should be confident decision-makers who can balance customer satisfaction, cost control, and quality assurance.
6. Multi-Unit Growth Potential
Entrepreneurs seeking multi-unit or regional development opportunities will find Fat Pat’s system scalable. The brand supports expansion plans for qualified franchisees who demonstrate operational excellence and consistent brand performance.
7. Location Preference
Fat Pat’s Bar & Grill performs exceptionally well in:
Suburban communities with strong family demographics
College towns with active sports and social cultures
Mid-sized cities and growing metropolitan areas across the South, Midwest, and Southeast USA
Site selection teams assist franchisees in choosing locations that balance accessibility, visibility, and local demand.
| Category | Estimated Cost (USD) | Details / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $40,000 – $50,000 | One-time fee granting rights to operate under the Fat Pat’s Bar & Grill brand and access full training & systems. |
| Total Estimated Investment | $550,000 – $950,000 | Includes build-out, equipment, licenses, signage, training, and opening inventory. |
| Minimum Liquid Capital Required | $250,000 | Recommended to cover working capital and early-stage operations. |
| Minimum Net Worth Requirement | $600,000+ | Ensures financial stability for build-out and growth. |
| Royalty Fee | 5% of gross sales | Paid weekly or monthly to the franchisor for ongoing support and brand use. |
| National Marketing Fund Contribution | 2% of gross sales | Contributes to national and regional marketing campaigns. |
| Local Marketing Spend | Minimum 1% of gross sales | Dedicated to community-based marketing and local events. |
| Average Unit Size | 3,500 – 5,000 sq. ft. | Flexible formats – end-cap units, stand-alone buildings, or retrofits. |
| Franchise Term | 10 years (renewable) | Standard franchise agreement term with renewal options. |
| Training Program Duration | 3 – 4 weeks | Includes both classroom and in-store operational training. |
| Estimated Break-Even Period | 18 – 30 months | Based on sales performance, location, and operational efficiency. |
| Projected ROI Range | 20% – 25% (average) | Strong ROI potential based on unit economics and consumer demand. |
| Franchise Units (as of 2025) | 10+ operating | Growing footprint with open territories across the U.S. |
Fat Pat’s franchisees benefit from diverse income sources that maximize profitability year-round:
Dine-in Sales: Core revenue driver with high customer repeat rate.
Bar & Alcohol Sales: High-margin revenue segment supported by sports events and social gatherings.
Takeout & Delivery: Optimized systems for food delivery platforms and local app integration.
Catering & Events: Opportunities for private parties, game nights, and community functions.
Branded Merchandise: Optional retail add-on (shirts, mugs, and sports gear) to increase brand loyalty and sales.
Moderate startup costs compared to national restaurant chains
Strong food-to-alcohol ratio ensuring balanced profitability
Lower failure rate due to proven Louisiana-origin model
Multi-unit development incentives available for qualified investors
