Risk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$1,850,000 - $4,125,000
Franchise Fee
$20,000
Min Cash Required
$100,000
Total US Locations
3
Business Summary
LARKS, LLC offers franchises for family entertainment centers that combine a restaurant with various entertainment options like mini golf, shuffleboard, arcade games, and children's funhouse activities. LARKS Entertainment Centers aim to attract diverse age groups, with mini golf as a required anchor activity. The company also grants area development rights for operating multiple LARKS locations.
Corporate History
LARKS, LLC was organized as a Florida limited liability company on March 2, 2020, operating under the names Larks Entertainment and LARKS. Its parent company is Oak Capital Group, LLC. The company began offering franchises for LARKS locations on July 26, 2022. While LARKS, LLC itself does not operate company-owned locations, its affiliates are expected to do so. The CEO, Curt Skallerup, brings experience from co-founding the Altitude Trampoline Park franchise system, an entertainment-focused franchise.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$1,850,000 - $4,125,000
Franchise Fee (Low)
$20,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$40,000
Minimum Cash Required
$100,000
Royalty %
7%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$1,510,000
Equipment Costs (High)
$3,400,000
Working Capital
$100,000
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
LARKS, LLC incurred a net loss of $1,311,146 for the year ended December 31, 2024, resulting in total liabilities exceeding total assets by $426,824. These factors raise uncertainty about LARKS, LLC's ability to continue operations. However, management has assessed the situation and believes this concern can be alleviated by collecting outstanding member contributions, a commitment from members for additional capital infusions (equity or loans), anticipated revenue from franchise sales, and intentions to control and reduce operating expenses as needed.
Financing Details
LARKS, LLC does not offer any direct or indirect financing to its franchisees. The franchisor also does not guarantee any notes, leases, or other financial obligations for franchisees.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
3
Franchised Units
1
Corporate Units
2
Avg Square Footage
17,000
Franchising Since
2022
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
Yes
Bankruptcy
Yes
Litigation Count
8
Litigation Summary
LARKS, LLC has been involved in several litigation and arbitration cases, primarily through its CEO, Curt Skallerup, and entities related to his former involvement with the Altitude Trampoline Park franchise system. There are four pending actions, all filed between late 2023 and early 2024. These cases mostly involve Bedrock Property Solutions, a former Altitude franchisee, alleging fraud, breach of contract, and misrepresentations related to market potential and investment. One case, filed in federal court in October 2023, was dismissed without prejudice, but some disputes have moved to arbitration or state court, with some proceedings currently stayed or awaiting trial in June 2025. Additionally, LARKS, LLC's CEO and related entities have been involved in four concluded actions. These included settlements in 2019 for $1,075,000 and $200,000 in separate breach of contract and fraud cases with an Altitude franchisee and an agent. A 2020 fraud and breach of warranty case related to the acquisition of the Altitude system was settled in 2021, resulting in Mr. Skallerup receiving approximately $1,500,000. Another personal injury case from 2020 was settled in January 2024 for $5,000. Most recently, a 2022 breach of contract and fraud case involving a franchisee's lease was settled in March 2025, with Mr. Skallerup agreeing to pay $350,000.
Bankruptcy History
LARKS, LLC's CEO, Curt Skallerup, was a minority member, manager, and creditor of AJC ATP, LLC, which voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy relief in March 2021. This entity operated an Altitude Trampoline Park location. The bankruptcy case was dismissed with prejudice in April 2021, and the debtor was ordered to disburse funds to a secured creditor and pay outstanding fees. Mr. Skallerup was not actively involved in the operation of the debtor's business nor in the decision to file for bankruptcy.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
5 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew their LARKS, LLC franchise agreement, franchisees must notify the franchisor between 12 and 24 months before the agreement expires. They must not be in default, be current on all payments to the franchisor, its affiliates, and suppliers, and comply with all training requirements. Additionally, franchisees are required to renovate their location to meet the franchisor's then-current standards, maintain the right to possession of their premises (including all necessary licenses like a liquor license), and sign the franchisor's current successor franchise agreement, which may contain materially different terms. Finally, the franchisee and all guarantors must sign a general release of claims.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Before a LARKS Entertainment Center opens, LARKS, LLC provides site selection criteria and guidance, along with prototype architectural plans (under a separate agreement) that can be adapted to the franchisee's site. The franchisor also offers consultation at its home office regarding construction and operation, provides access to an Operations Manual, and conducts a 6-day pre-opening training program for owners and the general manager. A LARKS representative also provides 2 to 4 days of on-site assistance during the opening. After opening, LARKS, LLC continues to offer consultation, updates the Operations Manual, and may provide additional required or optional training programs (which may incur a fee). The franchisor conducts inspections of locations and financial records, manages a Brand Development Fund, and approves all franchisee advertising materials. Franchisees are required to use accounting services from a LARKS affiliate for their first year and must use specific point-of-sale and reservation systems.
Initial Training Hours
88
Training Location
Corporate office in Dallas, Texas and on-site at the franchisee's location
Ongoing Support
After opening their LARKS Entertainment Center, franchisees receive ongoing support through consultation and advice at the franchisor's offices upon request. LARKS, LLC continuously modifies and updates its Operations Manual with changes in business practices, authorized products, and operational procedures. The franchisor may offer additional optional or mandatory training programs and seminars, for which a fee may be charged. LARKS, LLC conducts periodic inspections of the franchisee's location, financial records, and evaluates services, sometimes using mystery shoppers. The franchisor manages the Brand Development Fund and approves all advertising, signage, and promotional materials used by franchisees. For the first year of operation, franchisees are required to use accounting services provided by a LARKS affiliate, and throughout the agreement term, they must maintain specific accounting systems and provide monthly financial reports. If a franchisee fails to provide timely or accurate reports, LARKS, LLC reserves the right to require re-engagement of its affiliate's accounting services or an approved accounting firm.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
LARKS, LLC seeks individuals or entities as franchisees whose owners are willing to commit to personal guarantees, confidentiality, and non-compete agreements. While direct personal involvement in the day-to-day operation of the franchise is not mandated, a qualified General Manager is required and must successfully complete the franchisor's initial training program. The Principal Owner, if the franchisee is an entity, is designated as the primary contact with the franchisor and has full authority but is not required to be a majority owner or complete the initial training. Ideal candidates are expected to demonstrate the financial capacity for the substantial initial investment required to open a LARKS Entertainment Center.
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
No
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
retail
Owner Participation
Absentee Allowed
Territory Type
non-exclusive
Staff Count
40
Territory Size Requirements
LARKS, LLC grants franchisees a Protected Area that is typically defined by zip codes and usually has a radius of approximately 1 mile from the approved location. In areas with low population density, the franchisor may grant a larger Protected Area, such as a 2- or 3-mile radius.
Staffing Notes
Each LARKS Entertainment Center is expected to employ approximately 40 individuals. Franchisees are solely responsible for all employment decisions, including hiring, firing, training, wage and hour compliance, record-keeping, supervision, and discipline. A General Manager is required and must successfully complete the franchisor's initial training prior to the business opening. Any subsequent General Managers must enroll in training within 14 days of employment and complete it within 120 days. All staff involved in food handling must obtain and maintain state-required alcohol and food handling certifications. While LARKS, LLC provides training assistance, it does not exert direct or indirect control over employee working conditions, except as necessary to protect the quality of the LARKS System and its products and services.