1984
40
$800,000
$50,000
$1,200,000
No
Fat Tuesday is one of America’s most recognizable and beloved frozen daiquiri brands — a franchise that blends fun, flavor, and profitability. Originating from the vibrant streets of New Orleans, Fat Tuesday captures the true spirit of Mardi Gras and brings it to life through its lively atmosphere and premium frozen cocktails. Known for its iconic frozen drinks served in eye-catching cups, Fat Tuesday has grown into a powerful lifestyle brand that thrives in entertainment districts, tourist destinations, and high-traffic nightlife hubs across the United States.
The Fat Tuesday franchise is more than a bar — it’s a social experience. Each location invites guests to celebrate life with a lineup of bold, colorful drinks, upbeat music, and a casual, carefree vibe. With decades of brand recognition, strong operational systems, and a proven model that maximizes margins, Fat Tuesday continues to attract entrepreneurs seeking a unique and scalable concept in the bar and nightlife industry.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Investing in a Fat Tuesday franchise means joining a brand synonymous with fun, freedom, and flavor. With a loyal customer following and a proven business model that’s simple to operate, franchisees benefit from a brand that stands out in the competitive bar segment.
Key reasons to invest include:
Established National Brand: Fat Tuesday’s name recognition instantly attracts both locals and tourists who associate it with quality and fun.
High-Profit Beverage Model: With frozen cocktails as the core product, inventory management and waste are minimal compared to full-service bars.
Strong Support System: Franchisees gain access to comprehensive training, operational systems, and ongoing support from an experienced leadership team.
Low Labor & Overhead Costs: The grab-and-go concept requires fewer employees and limited kitchen space, resulting in streamlined operations.
Versatile Location Options: Ideal for entertainment districts, downtown areas, college towns, and beach or resort destinations.
Fat Tuesday was founded in 1984 in New Orleans, Louisiana, by David Briggs, who wanted to bring the city’s festive cocktail culture to people across the country. What began as a small daiquiri shop on Bourbon Street soon became an iconic name in frozen beverages. Over the years, Fat Tuesday expanded nationally and internationally, maintaining its commitment to serving high-quality, ready-to-drink cocktails in a fun, fast-paced environment.
Today, Fat Tuesday operates over 40+ locations across the United States, including major tourist hotspots like Las Vegas, Miami, and Nashville. The brand has also extended into select international markets under its parent company, Original Fat Tuesday Enterprises. It belongs to the food & beverage/bar and nightlife franchise category, catering to a diverse demographic of customers who crave flavor and fun.
The company continues to grow with a renewed focus on franchising, helping local entrepreneurs build successful hospitality businesses with a proven system and powerful brand story.
Fat Tuesday believes in setting its franchisees up for success from day one. The brand provides comprehensive, hands-on training and ongoing guidance to ensure smooth operations and brand consistency across all locations.
Pre-Opening Support:
Assistance with site selection, lease negotiation, and location analysis.
Design and layout support for bar setup and customer flow optimization.
Help with obtaining necessary licenses, permits, and regulatory approvals.
Initial Training Program:
A multi-week training covering operations, product preparation, point-of-sale management, and customer service excellence.
Team training for drink preparation, safety procedures, and store management.
Marketing Support:
Launch marketing plans, grand opening promotions, and social media guidance.
Access to brand assets, digital marketing templates, and merchandise programs.
Ongoing Support:
Continued operational assistance and periodic performance reviews.
New product rollouts and seasonal drink launches.
Access to a community of franchisees and best-practice sharing sessions.
Fat Tuesday’s support system ensures franchise owners never feel alone — from concept launch to long-term business growth.
The Fat Tuesday franchise is ideal for entrepreneurs who love hospitality, entertainment, and building a fun, people-centric business. You don’t need to be a bar industry veteran to succeed — the brand’s systems make it easy for first-time owners to manage daily operations efficiently.
Ideal franchisees include:
Entrepreneurs with a passion for hospitality, nightlife, or food & beverage.
Investors seeking a semi-absentee ownership model with strong ROI potential.
Multi-unit operators looking to diversify into a trendy, high-margin concept.
Individuals who enjoy engaging with people and creating memorable experiences.
Preferred Traits:
Strong leadership and management skills.
Ability to follow brand standards and maintain quality.
Adequate capital investment capacity.
A keen eye for high-traffic or entertainment-driven locations.
Whether you’re a first-time investor or a seasoned business owner, Fat Tuesday provides a turnkey opportunity to operate a fun, scalable, and profitable franchise.
Total Investment: $800,000 – $1,200,000
Minimum Investment Required: $800,000
Franchise Fee: $50,000
Royalty Fee: 6% of gross sales
Marketing Fee: 2% of gross sales (national marketing fund)
Average Unit Size: 1,000 – 2,500 sq. ft.
Initial Working Capital: $75,000 – $150,000
Expected ROI: 20% – 30% annually (depending on location performance)
Break-Even Period: 18 – 30 months
Revenue Streams:
Frozen cocktails (core product)
Merchandise (cups, apparel, souvenirs)
Non-alcoholic beverages
Event-based and seasonal promotions
Fat Tuesday’s scalable model and high drink margins create an opportunity for sustainable growth, especially in nightlife and entertainment-heavy markets.
