From Global Giants to Rising Stars — Here’s Who’s Leading the Burger Boom
The burger franchise industry is sizzling in 2025. Whether you’re looking for an affordable food truck concept or a gourmet dine-in model, the best burger brands share one thing in common: they combine strong branding, scalable operations, and fan-favorite menus.
At BurgerFranchiseMaster.com, we’ve curated a list of 20 burger franchise brands that are making waves across the U.S. and international markets this year.
🍔 1. Five Guys
Headquarters: Virginia, USA
Known For: Fresh, customizable burgers and hand-cut fries
Franchise Model: High-investment, strong U.S. and global brand
🍔 2. Smashburger
Headquarters: Denver, USA
Known For: Smash-style burgers with bold flavors
Franchise Model: Fast-casual with dine-in & takeout focus
🍔 3. BurgerFi
Headquarters: Florida, USA
Known For: All-natural Angus beef & eco-friendly branding
Franchise Model: Mid-tier investment with sustainability appeal
🍔 4. Johnny Rockets
Headquarters: California, USA
Known For: 1950s diner-style branding & milkshakes
Franchise Model: Great for lifestyle malls & tourist zones
🍔 5. Wayback Burgers
Headquarters: Connecticut, USA
Known For: Family-friendly menus and global expansion
Franchise Model: Flexible formats, including food trucks
🍔 6. Mooyah Burgers, Fries & Shakes
Headquarters: Texas, USA
Known For: Craft burgers and loaded fries
Franchise Model: Moderate investment, strong training support
🍔 7. The Counter
Headquarters: California, USA
Known For: Build-your-own gourmet burgers
Franchise Model: Upscale urban appeal, dine-in focused
🍔 8. Elevation Burger
Headquarters: Virginia, USA
Known For: Organic grass-fed beef and fresh fries
Franchise Model: Premium brand with health-conscious appeal
🍔 9. Big Smoke Burger
Headquarters: Toronto, Canada
Known For: Grilled burgers, poutine, and global expansion
Franchise Model: Canadian favorite with international presence
🍔 10. Fatburger
Headquarters: California, USA
Known For: Large burgers and late-night dining
Franchise Model: Retro-meets-modern vibe, urban markets
🍔 11. Steak ‘n Shake
Headquarters: Indiana, USA
Known For: Burger-milkshake combo & drive-thru formats
Franchise Model: Offers turnkey conversion units
🍔 12. Farmer Boys
Headquarters: California, USA
Known For: Farm-fresh burgers and breakfast
Franchise Model: Great for suburban drive-thru locations
🍔 13. Fuddruckers
Headquarters: Texas, USA
Known For: Self-service toppings bar and giant burgers
Franchise Model: Rebuilding with new ownership
🍔 14. Shake Shack (Limited Franchise Markets)
Headquarters: New York, USA
Known For: Cult following, upscale fast food
Franchise Model: Available only in select global regions
🍔 15. Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Headquarters: Kansas, USA
Known For: Steakburgers, shoestring fries, frozen custard
Franchise Model: Strong Midwest and Southern U.S. appeal
🍔 16. BGR – The Burger Joint
Headquarters: Maryland, USA
Known For: Chef-inspired recipes, upscale feel
Franchise Model: Smaller footprint, growing brand
🍔 17. The Habit Burger Grill
Headquarters: California, USA
Known For: Char-grilled burgers and Asian fusion options
Franchise Model: International franchising supported by Yum! Brands
🍔 18. Grill’d (Australia)
Headquarters: Melbourne, Australia
Known For: Healthy, locally sourced ingredients
Franchise Model: Great for health-driven urban markets
🍔 19. Burger Lounge
Headquarters: California, USA
Known For: Grass-fed beef, eco-friendly packaging
Franchise Model: Premium urban franchise concept
🍔 20. MrBeast Burger (Virtual Brand)
Headquarters: USA
Known For: Celebrity-backed, delivery-only ghost kitchens
Franchise Model: Low overhead, trending with Gen Z
🧠 Final Thoughts
From eco-conscious concepts to retro diners, the 2025 burger franchise landscape offers something for every investor. Your choice should depend on:
- Market fit
- Capital availability
- Operational experience
- Long-term brand vision
👥 Need Help Picking the Right Burger Franchise?
At BurgerFranchiseMaster.com, powered by Star Brands Consulting Group, we help investors and entrepreneurs:
- Compare franchise opportunities
- Evaluate investment returns
- Plan launch formats
- Get in touch with franchisors
📞 Request a Free Franchise Matchmaking Session
📥 Download the Top 20 Burger Franchises Report (PDF)