Dreaming of launching your own burger business but working with a limited budget? The good news is that you don’t need a million-dollar investment to get started. Several burger franchise brands offer low entry costs, strong support systems, and high growth potential — making them perfect for first-time entrepreneurs or multi-unit operators looking to expand smartly.
At BurgerFranchiseMaster.com, we’ve compiled a list of the top low-cost burger franchises that offer affordability without compromising quality or profitability.
🍔 1. Wayback Burgers
- Startup Cost: $209,000 – $524,500
- Franchise Fee: $35,000
- Headquarters: Cheshire, Connecticut, USA
- Why It’s Affordable: Offers smaller footprint models, simple menu, and flexible real estate options. Known for excellent training and international potential.
🍔 2. Fatburger (Express Model)
- Startup Cost: $150,000 – $350,000
- Franchise Fee: $40,000
- Headquarters: Beverly Hills, California, USA
- Why It’s Affordable: Their “Fatburger Express” format is built for airports, food courts, and smaller retail spaces, lowering build-out costs.
🍔 3. Cheeburger Cheeburger
- Startup Cost: $150,000 – $300,000
- Franchise Fee: $30,000
- Headquarters: Fort Myers, Florida, USA
- Why It’s Affordable: Classic retro-themed burger and shake concept that supports small-format locations and flexible real estate.
🍔 4. Big Smoke Burger
- Startup Cost: $175,000 – $395,000
- Franchise Fee: $30,000
- Headquarters: Toronto, Canada
- Why It’s Affordable: Offers strong international development support and smaller restaurant design options to reduce setup costs.
🍔 5. Burgerim (Relaunch Franchise Units)
- Startup Cost: $150,000 – $300,000
- Franchise Fee: Varies ($15,000–$30,000)
- Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, USA
- Why It’s Affordable: Previously paused operations, but select territories are reopening with lower entry costs and incentives for operators willing to revive proven locations.
⚠️ Note: Due diligence is important due to past restructuring. We can help assess risk-benefit through our consulting services.
🍔 6. Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries
- Startup Cost: $195,000 – $395,000
- Franchise Fee: $15,000
- Headquarters: Mount Olive, North Carolina, USA
- Why It’s Affordable: Lower franchise fee and proven systems. Regional brand strength in Southeastern U.S.
🍔 7. Elevation Burger (Kiosk or Small Format)
- Startup Cost: $200,000 – $400,000
- Franchise Fee: $30,000
- Headquarters: Arlington, Virginia, USA
- Why It’s Affordable: Offers flexible buildouts and focuses on organic, grass-fed ingredients with health-conscious appeal.
🧮 What Makes a Burger Franchise “Low-Cost”?
In our experience, a burger franchise is considered low-cost when:
- Total startup costs are under $500,000
- It offers small footprint/kiosk or food court options
- There are incentives for multi-unit operators or first-time franchisees
- Training and marketing support are included in the franchise fee
👨💼 How to Choose the Right Low-Cost Brand
When evaluating affordable burger franchises, look beyond price. Consider:
- Brand reputation and history
- Unit profitability and ROI timeline
- Territory availability
- Menu differentiation
- Delivery and takeout readiness
🤝 Get Expert Help Before You Sign
At BurgerFranchiseMaster.com, we don’t just list burger franchises — we help you compare startup costs, assess real-world profit margins, and connect you with reliable franchise brands that align with your goals and budget.
Through our exclusive partnership with Star Brands Consulting Group, you can access:
- Personalized franchise brand matching
- Startup cost planning and financial projections
- Territory and location consulting
- Franchise application support
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