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BurgerFi Franchise Costs $610K – $1.04M (2024 Fees & Profits)

BurgerFi, a leader in the fast-casual “better burger” segment, was founded in February 2011 in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida. The brand has rapidly expanded, establishing approximately 120 franchised and corporate-owned locations across 22 states, Puerto Rico, and Saudi Arabia. BurgerFi prides itself on serving high-quality, all-natural Angus beef burgers without steroids, antibiotics, growth hormones, chemicals, or additives.

Their diverse menu also features award-winning vegetarian options, cage-free chicken tenders, fresh-cut fries, and frozen custard desserts.

BurgerFi began franchising in 2012 and has since grown steadily, becoming one of the fastest-growing better burger concepts in the nation. What sets BurgerFi apart from the competition is its commitment to quality and sustainability. The restaurants are designed with eco-friendly materials, and the brand has been recognized for its efforts, receiving numerous accolades such as the “Best Fast Food Burger” by USA Today and “Breakout Brand of the Year” by QSR Magazine.

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Initial investment

Type of ExpenditureAmount
Franchise Fee$45,000
Rent$11,250 to $33,000
Security Deposits$10,000 to $25,000
Leasehold Improvements$250,800 to $425,000
Equipment, Furniture and Fixtures$235,000 to $325,000
Insurance$6,000 to $10,000
Permits and Licenses$1,500 to $15,000
Initial Inventory$6,000 to $18,000
Signage$4,000 to $15,000
Grand Opening Advertising$15,000 to $30,000
Architecture & MEP Drawings$12,500 to $20,000
Travel Expenses for Training$0 to $15,000
Professional Fees$2,500 to $6,500
Opening Assistance$0 to $15,000
Additional Funds (3 months)$10,000 to $45,000
Total$609,550 to $1,042,500

Note: The table above provides a snapshot of the main costs associated with starting the most common franchise format (as disclosed in the Item 7 of the Franchise Disclosure Document). For a complete overview of all the expenses involved with the various formats offered by the franchisor, please consult the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Franchise fees & Royalties

Initial Franchise Fee

When you sign this Agreement, you agree to pay an initial franchise fee of $45,000. This fee is not refundable and is payable in consideration of the services provided to help establish your new Restaurant.

Royalty Fee

For each week during the term of this Agreement, you agree to pay a continuing royalty fee equal to 5.5% of the Gross Sales of the Franchised Business.

Marketing/Advertising Fee

You are required to allocate 3.5% of Gross Sales to marketing expenses, with 2.0% allocated to the Brand Fund and 1.5% to local advertising, including the Regional Fund.

Brand Fund Fee

The Brand Fund fee is included in the marketing/advertising fee, which is 2.0% of Gross Sales.

Technology Fee

The technology fee is to be determined but is expected to be $100 per month, subject to change.

Lease or Rent Fee

Lease or rent fees are determined by the landlord and can range from $11,250 to $33,000, payable before opening the restaurant.

Transfer Fees

The transfer fee is the greater of $11,250 or 25% of the then-current initial franchise fee.

Renewal Fees

The renewal fee is the greater of $11,250 or 25% of the then-current initial franchise fee, due upon renewal.

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Franchise pros and cons

The Pros:

  • Experienced franchise support: The brand has an experienced executive team committed to the growth and success of its franchise owners. Franchisees get the best QSR and professional franchise support and growth strategies to establish and build their businesses.
  • Quality training: The brand has a robust training system to help its franchisees learn about the business concept and run a successful restaurant. It trains franchisees on the products and processes, restaurant operations and management, hospitality, handling staff, and how to carry out a successful grand opening.
  • Real estate and construction: The brand has an experienced real estate team to provide franchisees with site selection assistance and guidance on identifying the most convenient location. In addition, the brand provides them with prototype plans, construction designs, and lease negotiations.
  • Exclusive territory protection: The franchisor provides its franchisees with the right to operate in an exclusive area whose area is defined in their agreement. It does not establish other franchises or operate competing channels in the agreed-upon location.
  • Marketing Support: The brand provides its franchisees with an in-house marketing and advertising team. It helps franchisees carry out pre-and post-opening marketing and promotional campaigns to market their local restaurants.

The Cons:

  • No absentee ownership: The franchise does not present a passive business opportunity. Franchisees are actively involved in the day-to-day decision-making and operations of the restaurants.
  • Not a part-time business: Franchisees must adhere to the parent company’s hours of operation.
  • Not a home-based opportunity: The franchise cannot be operated from a home, vehicle, or mobile unit. Franchisees must have fixed office facilities or warehouses.
  • Competition: A BurgerFi franchise faces stiff competition from leading burger brands such as Burger King, Five Guys, Wendy’s, Johnny Rockets, Steak n Shake or even Carl’s Jr to name a few

How to open a BurgerFI franchise

1. Research and Initial Inquiry

  • Understand the Brand: Familiarize yourself with BurgerFi’s concept, values, and menu offerings.
  • Initial Contact: Reach out to BurgerFi’s franchise development team via their contact options to express your interest and gather initial information.
  • Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD): Obtain and review the FDD, which provides detailed information about the franchise, including fees, obligations, and financial performance.

2. Financial Requirements

  • Liquid Assets and Net Worth: Ensure you meet the financial requirements:
    • At least $500,000 in liquid assets.
    • A net worth of at least $1,000,000 per store.
  • Initial Investment: Be prepared for an initial investment ranging from $629,900 to $1,011,750, which includes the franchise fee of $45,000.

3. Application and Approval

  • Franchise Application: Complete and submit the franchise application form provided by BurgerFi.
  • Interview Process: Participate in interviews and discussions with the franchise development team to assess mutual suitability.
  • Approval: Upon successful review, receive approval from BurgerFi to proceed with the franchise.

4. Site Selection and Development

  • Site Selection Assistance: Work with BurgerFi’s real estate team to identify and secure an optimal location for your restaurant.
  • Lease Negotiation: Negotiate the lease terms for the chosen location.
  • Design and Construction: Utilize BurgerFi’s prototypical plans and construction guidelines to build out the restaurant, ensuring it meets the brand’s standards.

5. Training and Pre-Opening

  • Training Program: Attend the comprehensive BurgerFi Training Boot Camp program designed for restaurant managers.
  • Operations Manual: Review the confidential operations and training manuals provided by BurgerFi.
  • Pre-Opening Marketing: Implement pre-opening marketing strategies and materials with the support of BurgerFi’s marketing team.

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: This content has been made for informational and educational purposes only. We do not make any representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the information presented in the article. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other professional advice. Nothing contained in this article constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, advertisement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction.

All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial and/or legal advice, nor does any information in the article constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.

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