FAT Brands, the publicly traded parent company behind Fatburger, Johnny Rockets, Round Table Pizza, and 15 other restaurant concepts, is now accepting Bitcoin for franchisee royalty payments. The move makes it the first major restaurant franchisor to integrate cryptocurrency into its royalty payment infrastructure and marks a significant step forward in corporate crypto adoption.
With a global footprint spanning over 2,300 locations and more than 20% of its business coming from international franchisees, FAT Brands says the new payment option is designed to streamline cross-border transactions.
Traditional royalty payments, particularly from overseas operators, are often subject to high fees, complex bank procedures, and settlement delays. Bitcoin, the company says, offers a faster, more efficient alternative.
“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,” said FAT Brands COO Thayer Wiederhorn in a statement.
“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.”
The company clarified that payments would be handled through a business crypto wallet. From there, FAT Brands can choose to either convert the BTC into U.S. dollars or retain it as part of its digital asset strategy.
While the pilot program will begin with Bitcoin, FAT Brands hinted at the possibility of expanding to other cryptocurrencies in the future, including Ethereum or Solana, depending on demand and technical feasibility.
Part of a Larger Crypto Shift in Hospitality
FAT Brands’ entry into crypto-financial infrastructure reflects a broader shift within the food service and hospitality sectors. Over the past 18 months, restaurants have embraced blockchain and Web3 solutions ranging from crypto-powered rewards programs to NFT collectibles and virtual dining experiences.
Platforms like Blackbird have already introduced crypto incentives in high-end eateries across New York, while fast-food giants such as Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and McDonald’s have experimented with digital tokens and metaverse branding.
Outside the hospitality industry, Bitcoin’s relevance continues to grow in corporate finance. Strategy, the firm formerly known as MicroStrategy, now holds over $44 billion in Bitcoin on its balance sheet. Its aggressive crypto strategy has led other public companies to explore Bitcoin as a treasury reserve asset or long-term store of value.
In this context, FAT Brands’ decision to adopt Bitcoin for franchise royalties positions the company not only as a hospitality operator but as a participant in the digital asset economy—signaling its readiness to adapt to the evolving financial landscape.
Quick Facts:
- FAT Brands is the first restaurant franchisor to accept Bitcoin for royalty payments.
- The company operates 2,300+ locations worldwide, with over 20% outside the U.S.
- The initiative aims to improve speed and reduce costs for international franchisee payments.
- Other digital assets may be added later, depending on adoption and performance.
