QSR Magazine: DMK Burger Bar Announces Global Growth Plans

Restauranteur David Morton of Morton’s Steakhouse and James Beard nominee Chef Michael Kornick are betting on David Grossman to help them take the DMK Burger Bar concept and make it into an international franchise. According to a recent QSR Magazine article, the three have 88 years of restaurant experience and Kornick will be the first James Beard nominee to start a franchise.

The brand now has five locations in the Chicago area after an eight-year history but has aggressive plans to grow to 400 locations in the next 10 years. With large locations that sell beer and smaller burger bars, DMK plans to start growing in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Wisconsin first before expanding further.

“Longtime local customers and visitors to Chicago would often approach us to please franchise the premium burger concept,” said Morton. “We know the model and culture we’ve created are just as crave-able as the menu items we serve. Our franchise partners will have access to a major chef who is always the smartest guy in the room when it comes to food.”

The first unit will cost you a franchise fee of $30,000 with 20 percent discounts for any additional units. While the initial costs will vary by size and type of restaurant, costs will range from $400,000 to $450,000 for smaller stores and $750,000 to $800,000 for larger ones.

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