Best Restaurant Franchises: Top Burger Restaurants of 2024

Burger joints are not just a fad; they’re here for the long haul. Americans eat about 50 billion burgers per year, making a burger-focused business a great investment. For most Americans, the term “franchise” conjures up images of industry giants like McDonald’s or Burger King, which is a testament to the brand recognition that is to be gained from franchising in the burger space. If you’re looking for your next investment in the burger industry, check out these 15 brands. 

McDonald’s

• Initial Investment: $464,500 - $2,306,500
• Unit Count: 41,800+

McDonald's franchisees benefit from being part of a network with nearly 70 years of franchise experience. McDonald’s revolutionized franchise operations with its “three-legged stool” approach, which emphasizes a collaborative partnership between franchisees, suppliers and the company itself.

Dairy Queen

• Initial Investment: $1,516,200 - $2,542,250
• Unit Count: 7,500+

Dairy Queen has been around for over 80 years, and according to the brand’s franchise website, franchisees benefit from 85% consumer brand recognition as a result. Additionally, Dairy Queen's commitment to giving back to communities — notably through partnerships with Children's Miracle Network Hospitals — offers franchisees a meaningful way to make a positive impact locally.

Burger King

• Initial Investment: $220,000 - $3,398,600 
• Unit Count: 7,000

This burger giant was founded in 1954 and was acquired by the Pillsbury Company in 1967. After undergoing a series of revitalizations and acquisitions, the brand became a global fast-food leader. Burger King has since become iconic for its king mascot and the marketing campaigns with this image at its center. Burger King has had a longstanding reputation for serving up delicious flame-broiled burgers, including its famous Whopper, and has locations in over 100 countries.

Wendy’s

• Initial Investment: $321,000 - $4,600,000
• Unit Count: 7,100+

Wendy’s is renowned for its signature square-shaped hamburgers, a unique feature that emphasizes its commitment to using fresh, never frozen beef. Franchisees benefit from direct access to leaders at all levels within the company and personal coaching, as well as access to a supply chain co-op that offers lower prices on equipment and supplies.

Culver’s

• Initial Investment: $2,043,000 - $4,652,000
• Unit Count: 900

Culver’s has small-town-Wisconsin roots but is continuing to grow and expand, with locations currently in 26 states. Franchisees are given extensive training — both in-classroom and in-restaurant — to ensure they are set up for success. Additionally, the brand offers territorial protection. Owner-operators are expected to be very hands-on in their restaurant on a full-time basis. 

Smashburger

• Initial Investment: $1,332,060 - $2,354,384
• Unit Count: 227

Smashburger distinguishes itself with its “smashing” technique for cooking burgers in fast-casual burger restaurant locations across the U.S. and Canada. In 2019, the brand ramped up its marketing strategy with revamped logo, design and restaurant decor. 

Five Guys

• Initial Investment: $256,200 - $591,250
• Unit Count: 1,700

Five Guys started franchising in 2002 and now has locations in 16 countries. The brand is known for spending little money on national advertisements, instead depending on the quality of the food to build its reputation. The locations do not have freezers, as the brand prides itself on fresh ingredients.

Steak 'n Shake

• Initial Investment: $1,340,000 - $2,340,000
• Unit Count: 406

In addition to traditional franchising, Steak 'n Shake offers lower cost partnership opportunities as well. Franchisees have the benefit of selecting from a wide range of build-outs, including traditional restaurants, as well as airport and entertainment venue locations. The brand also supports military veterans with its VetFran program.

Checkers* & Rally’s

• Initial Investment: $169,000 - $2,100,000
• Unit Count: 800

Checkers & Rally’s has a dual drive-thru restaurant model, allowing franchisees to maximize efficiency and customer service by serving more customers in less time. The drive-thru design requires a smaller footprint than some brick-and-mortar concepts, making selecting a location more flexible. Thirty percent of the brand’s locations are corporately owned.

Freddy’s

• Initial Investment: $897,936 - $2,753,566
• Unit Count: 443

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers offers a family-friendly, old-school diner atmosphere. Franchisees can choose from traditional build-out options, as well as end caps, in-line build-outs or non-traditional locations. Franchisees are also required to pay a relatively low royalty fee of 4.5% to the franchisor. 

Hardee’s

• Initial Investment: $1,499,000 - $2,228,000
• Unit Count: 1,800

Hardee’s franchisees can choose from a free-standing design, drive-thru only or food court design for their location(s). Hardee’s offers its franchisees initial support with restaurant design, construction and training, and owners also have the opportunity to benefit from a performance-based growth incentive.

Jack in the Box

• Initial Investment: $1,810,600 - $4,207,500
• Unit Count: 2,100

In addition to burgers, Jack in the Box has unique product offerings including chicken sandwiches, tacos and egg rolls. This brand is particularly appealing to those who are interested in multi-unit franchise ownership, with its average franchisee owning 15 locations, according to the brand’s franchise website. 

Fatburger

• Initial Investment: $508,600 - $1,694,900
• Unit Count: 200+

Fatburger is a quick-service, fast-casual hamburger franchise concept with an old-fashioned hamburger stand vibe. It got its start in 1951 in Los Angeles, but has since grown to over 200 locations in 20 countries, meaning franchisees benefit from great brand recognition.

Red Robin

• Initial Investment: $2,220,000 - $4,115,000
• Unit Count: 500

According to the brand’s website, 82% of the locations are corporate owned, giving franchisees a strong foundation of brand consistency and tried-and-true practices. Consumers particularly enjoy the range of local beers at each location, as well as the adult milkshakes and other cocktails. 

Whataburger

• Initial Investment: $2,000,000 - $2,500,000
• Unit Count: 1,029

Whataburger is a popular Texas-based fast-food chain known for its distinctive orange-and-white-striped buildings and a wide range of customizable burgers and sandwiches. Whataburger franchisees must open a minimum of five locations within five years.

Investing in a franchise in the burger industry gives entrepreneurs a great opportunity to capitalize on excellent brand awareness with well-known franchises or to bring an emerging brand serving up universally loved food to any community.

Every great franchisee had help buying a franchise. Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit www.1851growthclub.com and start your journey.