Best Burger Franchises to Own in 2025

If you're exploring the best burger franchises, you’re looking at one of the most popular and proven categories in food franchising. Burgers are a staple of American dining, and brands like Five Guys, Culver’s, and Whataburger are some of the most well-known names in the industry. For entrepreneurs seeking growth, Wayback Burgers is also actively expanding with new franchise opportunities.

At BizFranHub, we provide details on the top burger franchise opportunities and offer free Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) downloads so you can review costs, fees, and requirements before making a decision.

Why Burger Franchises Are a Smart Investment

• High demand – Burgers remain one of the top-selling menu items in the U.S.
• Brand recognition – Customers gravitate to familiar names.
• Proven systems – Training, support, and marketing reduce startup risk.
• Scalability – Many franchisees grow into multi-unit ownership.

Is Five Guys Still Franchising?

Five Guys is one of the most searched burger franchise opportunities in the U.S., known for its made-to-order burgers, fries, and strong brand recognition. But the question many ask today is: Is Five Guys still franchising?

• Initial franchise fee: $25,000 per restaurant
• Development fee: $50,000 per restaurant (higher in AK, HI, PR at $125,000)
• Royalty fee: 6% of gross sales (8% in AK, HI, PR)
• Advertising: Up to 2% national fund, 2% local minimum, up to 1.5% cooperative
• Estimated initial investment: $256,200–$591,250

[Download the latest available Five Guys FDD – Free]

⚠️ Important: Five Guys has not filed a current FDD, which means they are not actively offering new franchises. Existing restaurants continue to operate, but new applications are not being accepted at this time.

Culver’s Franchise

Culver’s is one of the most recognizable burger franchise brands in the Midwest, famous for its ButterBurgers, frozen custard, and customer loyalty. The 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document outlines the franchise fee, total investment, royalties, and advertising contributions required to join the system.

• Franchise cost: Varies by location and build-out
• Requirements: Franchisees must meet financial qualifications
• Strengths: Loyal customer base, multiple revenue streams, strong operational support

[Download the official Culver’s 2025 FDD – Free]

Whataburger Franchise (Licensing Program)

Whataburger is a Texas icon with nearly 1,000 locations and growing brand recognition across the U.S. Unlike smaller burger franchises, Whataburger requires significant scale and capital — their franchise/license model is built for operators who can develop at least five restaurants within five years.

Requirements from Whataburger’s official site:

• Share Our Brand: Operators must commit to Whataburger’s values of pride, care, and love for both customers and team members.
• Run Multiple Restaurants: You’ll be required to open a minimum of 5 restaurants within 5 years.
• Expand Our Market: The focus is on bringing Whataburger into new territories across the U.S.
• Ready to Build: You must show at least $5 million in liquid assets and $12.5 million in net worth.

Breaking It Down Per 5 Units

• Liquid assets per unit: $5,000,000 ÷ 5 = $1.0M
• Net worth per unit: $12,500,000 ÷ 5 = $2.5M
• Commitment: At least 5 locations, opened over 5 years
• Scale expectation: You’re not just buying a single burger shop — Whataburger is seeking regional operators with significant experience and capital.

Key Metrics (QSR 50, 2024)

• Systemwide Sales (2023): $3.769B
• Average Unit Volume (AUV): $3.96M
• Total Units: 997 (826 franchised/license, 171 company-owned)

If you have the resources to meet these thresholds, Whataburger represents one of the highest-volume opportunities in the burger category, but it’s limited to well-capitalized multi-unit developers.

Wayback Burgers Franchise

Wayback Burgers is an actively growing franchise with flexible formats and accessible startup costs.

• Initial franchise fee: $35,000
• Total investment: $256,000–$850,000
• Royalty: Greater of 5% of weekly gross sales or $400 per week
• Advertising fees: 2% to the ad fund + 2% local marketing + up to 2% regional cooperative
• Multi-unit agreements: Development deals start at 3 restaurants with credited fees
• Special formats: Walmart inline locations available under sublease terms

[Download the official Wayback Burgers 2025 FDD – Free]