10 Burger Franchises We Love

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.

Five Guys

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.

MOOYAH* Burgers, Fries & Shakes

This brand ranked No. 41 on Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers 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.

Culver’s

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. 

Whataburger

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.

McDonald’s

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.

Wendy’s

Wendy’s has reimagined its brand identity in the past several years, from its logo and in-house design to its social media presence, 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 ghost kitchen models is presenting plenty of positives for prospective franchisees.

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

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.

Sonic

“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.

Checkers* & Rally’s

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 & 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.

Smashburger

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.