While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt the restaurant industry, there’s one segment that’s expecting growth in 2021: burgers. Right now, it’s estimated that the segment is worth $115.1 billion, and it’s expected to increase by 15.9% over the course of the year. That means that for aspiring entrepreneurs or restaurateurs, the burger segment of the franchising industry isn’t one to overlook.

As the economy continues to recover, franchisees have the opportunity to tap into growing consumer demand for this traditional American cuisine. Here are the 10 best burger franchises to buy in 2021:

Fosters Freeze

Checkers & Rally’s

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s

MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes

Culver’s

  • Startup costs: $2,300,000-$5,400,000
  • Units: 765

Smashburger

  • Startup costs: $546,000-$895,000
  • Units: 256

Wayback Burgers

  • Startup costs: $209,000-$525,000
  • Units: 148

Sonic

  • Startup costs: $1,200,000-$3,500,000
  • Units: 3,525

Farmer Boys

  • Startup costs: $1,000,000-$2,500,000
  • Units: 96

Carl’s Jr.

  • Startup costs: $1,600,000-$2,200,000
  • Units: 1,653

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Cassidy McAloon

About the Author

Cassidy McAloon

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Cassie has over five years of digital and traditional media experience. She joined NLA after working as a television news producer in both Milwaukee and Chicago, and now specializes in aligning strategies across the board for her clients, ultimately building buzz and telling compelling stories through content marketing, social media, digital campaigns and traditional PR.

Cassie has a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast and Electronic Communications from Marquette University. In her spare time, Cassie enjoys traveling and exploring what new cities have to offer in addition to spending time with her friends and family.