1851

2021 forced restaurant brands to innovate their systems on the heels of a pandemic, and many burger concepts proved resilient through these pandemic-related changes. As supply chain issues continue to impact the restaurant industry at large, brands continue to find creative ways to make their operations profitable and provide the products that customers have come to love.1851 Franchise took a deep dive into both up-and-coming and established burger brands to map out the best restaurant investments for prospective franchisees in this popular space.<h4><a href="https://www.fiveguys.com/contact-us/franchisee-form?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=10-burger-franchises-we-love-2718142" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Five Guys</a></h4>Five Guys opened in 1986 and waited 16 years to begin franchising. This allowed the brand to develop a great strategy over time, and the advanced planning has paid off. Five Guys has opened over 1,500 locations in 16 countries, and their franchise model is comprehensive enough for all locations to share near-identical qualities and offerings, from menu to design layout.<h4><a href="https://franchise.mooyah.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=10-burger-franchises-we-love-2718142" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">MOOYAH* Burgers, Fries &amp; Shakes</a></h4>This brand ranked No. 41 on Fast Casual’s <a href="https://www.fastcasual.com/resources/2021-fast-casual-top-100-movers-shakers/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=10-burger-franchises-we-love-2718142#addsearch=2021%20fast%20casual%20top%20100%20movers%20&amp;%20shakers,f=1" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Top 100 Movers &amp; Shakers</a> list this year and has developed a menu with a greater commitment to quality ingredients — far more than most burger chains that prioritize speed over quality. MOOYAH revamped its interior design in 2020, and as the country looks ahead to a post-pandemic recovery, customers can expect a redesigned experience geared to create even more brand momentum.<h4><a href="https://www.culvers.com/franchise?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=10-burger-franchises-we-love-2718142" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Culver’s</a></h4>The Midwestern burger and cheese curd favorite is quickly spreading throughout the nation, fitting a niche burger market that makes it stand out in the space. Culver’s has established a unique territory map that shows their rapid nationwide progression and is currently open for franchising in over 20 states. Because of its regional footprint, Culver’s currently resembles more of novelty brand with a unique offering and strong regional identity.&nbsp;<h4><a href="https://whataburger.com/franchise?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=10-burger-franchises-we-love-2718142" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Whataburger</a></h4>The Texas favorite Whataburger has a similar footprint to Culver’s, with a focus on regional outreach. Whataburger has targeted a select number of states for additional franchise expansion. For franchisees in these territories, a great opportunity exists with a brand that enjoys a strong following that may eventually lead to national expansion.<h4><a href="https://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us/us-franchising.html?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=10-burger-franchises-we-love-2718142" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">McDonald’s</a></h4>This classic brand is probably the most identifiable brand in the entire restaurant industry: McDonald’s is preferred by many because virtually all customers know what they are getting when they visit. The investment figures for a new McDonald’s can be a little more daunting than other brands, however.. But the brand’s iconic status and global presence offers a great investment opportunity for those that can afford the up front capital.<h4><a href="https://www.wendys.com/franchising?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=10-burger-franchises-we-love-2718142" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Wendy’s</a></h4>Wendy’s has reimagined its brand identity in the past several years, from its logo and in-house design to its <a href="https://www.today.com/food/wendy-s-takes-twitter-national-roast-day-today-t208870?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=10-burger-franchises-we-love-2718142" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">social media presence</a>, which has taken Twitter by storm. This has shaped Wendy’s as a fan favorite in a modern age, and the franchising capabilities have followed. Wendy’s is nearing 7,000 locations worldwide, and its involvement with <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2021/08/11/wendys-to-open-700-ghost-kitchens-by-2025-with-start-up-reef.html?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=10-burger-franchises-we-love-2718142" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">ghost kitchen models</a> is presenting plenty of positives for prospective franchisees.<h4><a href="https://www.freddysfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=10-burger-franchises-we-love-2718142" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Freddy’s Frozen Custard &amp; Steakburgers</a></h4>A Freddy’s franchise has an average unit volume of over $1.5 million, and the brand’s simple menu has helped each Freddy’s location work around more complicated supply-chain issues. This presents unique advantages for each franchise, and an already-strong customer base has allowed this brand to stay strong during pandemic restrictions.<h4><a href="http://sonicfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=10-burger-franchises-we-love-2718142" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Sonic</a></h4>“America’s Favorite Drive-In” has experienced a new advantage in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sonic is virtually geared to work around a pandemic, with drive-thru windows, pull-in delivery spaces and ample outdoor seating at nearly all franchise locations. This allowed Sonic to maintain more of its standard operating procedures while other brands were forced to reimagine their protocols.<h4><a href="https://1851franchise.com/checkers">Checkers &amp; Rally’s</a></h4>Franchisees for this burger brand require $750,000 net worth and $250,000 in liquid assets, which is far more affordable than most other burger brands. This has allowed Checkers &amp; Rally’s to attract committed franchisees that may not have the figures of other franchisees, but still have the ambition to join a growing brand. A simplified build-out process can make it easier for franchisees to get their operation off the ground, too.<h4><a href="https://smashburger.com/franchising/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=10-burger-franchises-we-love-2718142" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Smashburger</a></h4>Smashburger identifies itself as the quickest fast-casual concept to hit the 200-restaurant threshold, and the brand has since welcomed 340 franchises to its portfolio. This company has a greater commitment to quality ingredients too, this may help Smashburger achieve prolonged success.

10 Burger Franchises We Love

1851 Franchise

Breaking down the most profitable established and up-and-coming burger brands going into 2022.

10-burger-franchises-we-love

Right at Home

Right at Home Expanding In-Home Care Services in Davenport

right-at-home-expanding-in-home-care-services-in-davenport

Griswold

PocketRN and Griswold Announce a National Strategic Partnership to Test Medicare Dementia Care Model

pocketrn-griswold-guide-dementia-care-partnership

Voodoo Brewing Co.

Voodoo Brewing Co. Teams Up With Tailgating Challenge To Make Game Day Better

voodoo-brewing-tailgating-challenge-lil-vibes

Keke's Breakfast Cafe

Daily Meal: Keke's Breakfast Cafe Recognized as a Rising Restaurant Chain To Watch in 2026

kekes-breakfast-cafe-rising-restaurant-chain-2026

Fresh Coat

Design with image of military veteran, Fresh Coat Painters vehicles

Veterans Build Their Next Chapter With Fresh Coat Painters

veteran-franchise-success

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Jobseekers Are Flocking to “Unglamorous” Jobs — And Home Service Franchises Could Benefit

Jobseekers Are Flocking to “Unglamorous” Jobs — And Home Service Franchises Could Be Poised To Benefit

jobseekers-shift-boosts-home-service-franchises

The future of recovery studios, health and wellness franchise

The Future of Recovery Studios: Why Wellness Franchises Are the Next Fitness Boom

the-wellness-boom-recovery-franchises-future-fitness

Design with government building & "Open for Business" sign against American flag backdrop

Government Reopens After 43-Day Shutdown, Bringing Relief to Small Businesses and Franchises

government-shutdown-ends-franchise-impact

As Starbucks and Dunkin’ Navigate a Changing Market, New Coffee Players Keep Gaining Ground

starbucks-dunkin-franchise-coffee-market-trends

Paris Baguette Welcomes Zac Sulma as New Chief Operating Officer

new-coo-zac-sulma

Scenthound Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

scenthound-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

EarthWise Pet Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

earthwise-pet-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

image of michael brown and matt kelton from children's lighthouse family owned brand private equity

Learn Why Children’s Lighthouse Is Different as a Family-Owned Brand vs. a Private Equity Brand in Upcoming Webinar

family-owned-vs-private-equity-childrens-lighthouse

image of franchise deep dive from 1851 franchise on doody calls franchise authority brands

DoodyCalls Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

doodycalls-franchise-deep-dive

image of jerome hanway from right at home Las Cruces, New Mexico 1851 franchise franchisee spotlight

Jerome Hanway Is Building His Right at Home Franchise Around His Mission To Serve

right-at-home-franchise-las-cruces-jerome-hanway

A Practical Playbook: Who To Call First When Franchising Your Business

franchising-your-business-who-to-call-first

The Top 15 Pet Supplies and Retail Franchises for 2025

the-top-15-pet-supplies-and-retail-franchises

Senior Entrepreneurship - Franchising - 1851 Franchise

Senior Entrepreneurship Is Rising — And Franchising Is a Key Outlet

senior-entrepreneurship-franchising-silver-startups

Veterans In Franchising Thriving As Entrepreneurs, Three Times More Likely To Own A Franchise

veterans-entrepreneurship-franchise-owners

10 Burger Franchises We Love

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS