1851

Burger joints are not just a fad; they’re here for the long haul. Americans eat about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/hamburger-facts-172259185.html?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=best-restaurant-franchises-top-burger-restaurants-of-2024-2726608" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">50 billion burgers per year</a>, 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.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us/us-franchising.html?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=best-restaurant-franchises-top-burger-restaurants-of-2024-2726608" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">McDonald’s</a><ul><li>Initial Investment:&nbsp;$464,500 - $2,306,500</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;41,800+</li></ul>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.<a href="https://www.dairyqueenfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=best-restaurant-franchises-top-burger-restaurants-of-2024-2726608" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Dairy Queen</a><ul><li>Initial Investment:&nbsp;$1,516,200 - $2,542,250</li><li>Unit Count: 7,500+</li></ul>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.<a href="https://franchising.bk.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=best-restaurant-franchises-top-burger-restaurants-of-2024-2726608" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Burger King</a><ul><li>Initial Investment: $220,000 - $3,398,600&nbsp;</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;7,000</li></ul>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.<a href="https://www.wendys.com/franchising?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=best-restaurant-franchises-top-burger-restaurants-of-2024-2726608" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Wendy’s</a><ul><li>Initial Investment: $321,000 - $4,600,000</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;7,100+</li></ul>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.<a href="https://www.culvers.com/franchise?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=best-restaurant-franchises-top-burger-restaurants-of-2024-2726608" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Culver’s</a><ul><li>Initial Investment: $2,043,000 - $4,652,000</li><li>Unit Count: 900</li></ul>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.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smashburgerfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=best-restaurant-franchises-top-burger-restaurants-of-2024-2726608" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Smashburger</a><ul><li>Initial Investment: $1,332,060 - $2,354,384</li><li>Unit Count: 227</li></ul>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.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fiveguys.com/contact-us/franchisee-form?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=best-restaurant-franchises-top-burger-restaurants-of-2024-2726608" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Five Guys</a><ul><li>Initial Investment: $256,200 - $591,250</li><li>Unit Count: 1,700</li></ul>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.<a href="https://steaknshakefranchise.com/franchise-model/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=best-restaurant-franchises-top-burger-restaurants-of-2024-2726608" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Steak 'n Shake</a><ul><li>Initial Investment: $1,340,000 - $2,340,000</li><li>Unit Count: 406</li></ul>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.<a href="https://franchisebusinessreview.com/top-franchises/checkers-rallys/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=best-restaurant-franchises-top-burger-restaurants-of-2024-2726608" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Checkers &amp; Rally’s</a><ul><li>Initial Investment: $169,000 - $2,100,000</li><li>Unit Count: 800</li></ul>Checkers &amp; 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.<a href="https://www.freddysfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=best-restaurant-franchises-top-burger-restaurants-of-2024-2726608" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Freddy’s</a><ul><li>Initial Investment:&nbsp;$897,936 - $2,753,566</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;443</li></ul>Freddy’s Frozen Custard &amp; 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.&nbsp;<a href="https://hardeesfranchising.com/franchising.php?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=best-restaurant-franchises-top-burger-restaurants-of-2024-2726608" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Hardee’s</a><ul><li>Initial Investment: $1,499,000 - $2,228,000</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;1,800</li></ul>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.<a href="https://www.jackintheboxfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=best-restaurant-franchises-top-burger-restaurants-of-2024-2726608" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Jack in the Box</a><ul><li>Initial Investment: $1,810,600 - $4,207,500</li><li>Unit Count: 2,100</li></ul>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.&nbsp;<a href="https://fatburger.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=best-restaurant-franchises-top-burger-restaurants-of-2024-2726608" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Fatburger</a><ul><li>Initial Investment: $508,600 - $1,694,900</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;200+</li></ul>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.<a href="https://ir.redrobin.com/about?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=best-restaurant-franchises-top-burger-restaurants-of-2024-2726608" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Red Robin</a><ul><li>Initial Investment: $2,220,000 - $4,115,000</li><li>Unit Count: 500</li></ul>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.&nbsp;<a href="https://whataburger.com/franchise?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=best-restaurant-franchises-top-burger-restaurants-of-2024-2726608" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Whataburger</a><ul><li>Initial Investment:&nbsp;$2,000,000 - $2,500,000</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;1,029</li></ul>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&nbsp;<a href="http://www.1851growthclub.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=best-restaurant-franchises-top-burger-restaurants-of-2024-2726608" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.1851growthclub.com</a> and start your journey.

15 Top Burger Franchise Concepts to Invest in for 2024

1851 Franchise

With over 3,000 unique franchise concepts in the U.S., entrepreneurs looking for the next venture are spoiled for choice. Here are 15 burger concepts to consider.

Best Restaurant Franchises: Top Burger Restaurants of 2024

best-restaurant-franchises-top-burger-restaurants-of-2024

Caring Transitions

From Saving Lives to Easing Transitions: Why EMT Veteran Paul Yang Chose Caring Transitions

from-saving-lives-to-easing-transitions-why-emt-veteran-paul-yang-chose-caring-transitions

Comfort Keepers

Comfort Keepers® Achieves Major Milestones in Q1 2025 as Fully Franchised Model Accelerates Growth

comfort-keepers-achieves-major-milestones-in-q1-2025-as-fully-franchised-model-accelerates-growth

Sola Salons

Sola Salons Targets Boston for Strategic Franchise Growth

sola-salons-targets-boston-for-strategic-franchise-growth

Beansquad

BeanSquad Kicks Off 2025 with Strong Q1 Momentum and Aggressive Growth Goals

beansquad-kicks-off-2025-with-strong-q1-momentum-and-aggressive-growth-goals

Sylvan Learning

Jacksonville Daily Record: Sylvan Learning Expands in St. Johns County

jacksonville-daily-record-sylvan-learning-expands-in-st-johns-county

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 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

The Future of Franchising: Trends and Predictions for 2025 and Beyond

the-future-of-franchising-trends-and-predictions-for-2025-and-beyond

Restaurant Business: Crumbl Cools Its Expansion, Refocuses on Profitability

restaurant-business-crumbl-cools-its-expansion-refocuses-on-profitability

Franchise Face-Lifts: Why Major Restaurant Brands Are Betting Big on Remodels

franchise-face-lifts-why-major-restaurant-brands-are-betting-big-on-remodels

How New Tariffs Are Causing Price Hikes and Surcharges for U.S. Businesses and Franchises - 1851

Tariffs Prompt Price Hikes, Surcharges as Businesses (and Franchises) Brace for Rising Costs 

tariffs-prompt-price-hikes-surcharges

Pizza Hut - EYM Group - Chapter 11 Bankruptcy - 77 Pizza Hut Locations Sold - 1851 Franchise

77 Pizza Hut Locations Sold After Franchisee Bankruptcy Filing

pizza-hut-franchisee-bankruptcy-eym-group

Most Profitable Restaurant Franchises To Own in 2025 - 1851 Franchise

The Most Profitable Restaurant Franchises to Own in 2025

most-profitable-restaurant-franchises-to-own

Image of building outline hovering over person's hand

How To Choose the Right Franchise: A Step-by-Step Guide to Success

how-to-choose-the-right-franchise-step-by-step

The Top 20 Cleaning Franchises to Invest in for 2025

top-cleaning-franchises-to-invest-in

The Top 20 Handyman Franchises To Invest in for 2025

top-handyman-franchises-to-invest-in

Franchisee spotlight image with Randy and Sandy Craft, Children's Lighthouse logo on blue background

The Crafts’ Successful Journey from New Parents to Children’s Lighthouse Franchisees

the-crafts-successful-journey-from-new-parents-to-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees

Franchisee spotlight image with photo of Robert Trujillo and UWRG logo on blue background

Best Restaurant Franchises: Top Burger Restaurants of 2024

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS