12 Best Multi-Unit Burger Franchises in 2024

Are you searching for a list of the best multi-unit burger franchises from this year?

There are many benefits to multi-unit franchise ownership including discounted franchise royalty fees and more.

In this article, we’ll take a look at twelve of the best multi-unit burger franchises in no particular order.

Jack in the Box

We simply had to put ourselves on this list because of our innovative menu, flexible restaurant designs, and franchise opportunities in prime U.S. markets.

Jack in the Box offers a large and distinctive 24/7 menu with five dayparts to our customers. This means you can get anything on our menu at any time – day or night.

Plus, our new 1,350 square foot prototype features dual drive-throughs for higher order volume and a walk-up window for mobile orders to ensure you’re ready to serve today’s consumer.

When you look at our map of available markets, you’ll see most of the United States is available with a focus on exciting markets like:

• Atlanta, GA
• Orlando, FL
• Tampa, FL
• Nashville, TN
• Chicago, IL
• Little Rock, AR
• Indianapolis, IN
• Cincinnati, OH
• Colorado Springs, CO
• Wichita, KS
• Kansas City, MO
• Charlotte, NC
• Baton Rouge, LA
• Greenville, SC
• Denver, CO
• Louisville, KY
• Albuquerque, NM

Being able to develop multiple franchises in markets with this much potential is rare in the quick service restaurant (QSR) industry. It would be hard to do with other top brands.

Many of the legacy franchise brands you’re familiar with across the country don’t have whitespace availability like we do at Jack in the Box.

This means you have an opportunity to grow a multi-unit portfolio with a brand that has supported our franchisees for more than 70 years.

McDonald’s

McDonald’s is the most well-known burger franchise in the world. You’ve more than likely heard the jingle from their “I’m Lovin’ It” advertising campaign.

Approximately 93% of their 38,000 locations are owned and operated by independent local business owners in more than 100 countries.

However, when it comes to multi-unit franchise ownership you may need to relocate to find your nearest restaurant opportunity.

McDonald’s doesn’t guarantee the location or availability of restaurants until you’ve completed your franchisee training.

Burger King

Since 1954, Burger King has been flame-grilling burgers with signature recipes while providing a family-friendly dining experience.

They currently have over 7,000 restaurants across the U.S. with significant opportunities for growth. Did you know more than 11 million people visit a Burger King each day?

Burger King’s focus is to recruit prospective franchisees who are interested in pursuing multi-unit opportunities through the acquisition of existing restaurants or development of new locations.

Whataburger

The story of Whataburger began at a 24-hour burger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. 70 years later, they have grown to more than 890 locations throughout the United States.

Their original idea was to serve a burger so big it took two hands to hold, and so good it caused customers to exclaim, “What a burger!” after their first bite.

Whataburger was family-owned until their recent acquisition by an investment company. This has allowed for more franchise locations to open in new markets.

Wendy’s

In 1969, Dave Thomas opened the first Wendy’s restaurant in Columbus, Ohio. It didn’t take long for their quick-service chain restaurant to become famous for square beef patties and Frosty desserts.

Today, they operate 7,000 restaurants worldwide and are looking for new and diverse franchisees to join their team.

They have a variety of limited and available markets throughout the U.S. with a focus on California, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Alabama, Tennessee, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Massachusetts.

Steak ‘N Shake

Steak ‘n Shake is an American casual restaurant famous for their steakburgers and milkshakes.

They operate 414 corporate restaurants with 214 franchised establishments for a total of 628 in the United States, Europe, and Middle East.

However, instead of multi-unit franchise ownership they’re looking for “Franchise Partners” to take over operations of company-owned Steak ‘n Shake locations.

Five Guys

Five Guys is a fast-food chain with made-to-order burgers, fries, and hot dogs. Plus, plenty of free peanuts while you wait.

In 1986, the first Five Guys restaurant opened in Arlington County, VA. Since they began franchising in 2002, they’ve grown to more than 1,500 locations in 16 countries.

Unfortunately, they’re currently sold out in the United States & Canada while only seeking franchise partners for select international markets.

Smashburger

If you had to guess how Smashburger prepares their burgers, you’d probably figure it out on the first try.

At Smashburger, you order at the counter then sit while your burger is prepared. Ground beef is smashed on the grill then seasoned and cooked within 3 minutes.

They set the record as the quickest fast-casual concept to hit the 200-restaurant milestone. You can find their +340 locations in 38 states and 9 countries.

Smashburger has aggressive expansion plans and is looking for potential franchisees with a proven track record of success in the restaurant industry.

BurgerFi

BurgerFi is a fast-casual burger concept with approximately 120 franchised and corporate-owned restaurants.

They are known for delivering an all-natural burger experience in contemporary and sustainably designed restaurants that look much like your local coffee shop.

On their menu, you’ll also find quinoa-based veggie burgers along with frozen custard desserts, craft beer, and wine.

This burger franchise is currently looking for experienced single or multi-unit restaurant operators.

Freddy’s

Freddy’s is a nostalgic fast-casual restaurant with cooked-to-order steakburgers, hot dogs, shoestring fries, and frozen custard.

They are one of the fastest-growing franchises in the United States with 400 locations around the world.

Currently, they offer exclusive territories that are available across the U.S. along with international opportunities.

Culver’s

Culver’s is a multi-unit burger franchise known for their frozen custard, butterburgers, and cheese curds.

Since 1984, they have grown from their first location in Sauk City, Wisconsin to more than 800 restaurant locations in 25 different states.

They are looking for owner-operators with the skills to take a team of people and operate a Culver’s according to their high standards.

MrBeast Burger

MrBeast Burger is a virtual concept created by YouTuber Jimmy Donaldson (aka MrBeast) and Robert Earl with 300 locations across 35 states.

It’s easily the most unique burger franchise on this list because it doesn’t have a physical location. Instead, it operates as a ghost kitchen to deliver mobile orders through their app.

Virtual brands like these take advantage of third-party delivery partners to fulfill orders, so they are able to rapidly expand into new territories.

Check Out These Additional Resources

We hope this list of the best multi-unit burger franchises to own helped you narrow down your search.

At Jack in the Box, we’re looking for multi-unit franchisees who are excited to bring our craveable 24/7 menu to new markets across the country.

Here are some additional online resources you may like to check out:

• How Much Does a Jack in the Box Franchise Cost?
• 5 Benefits of Multi-Unit Franchising with Jack in the Box
• What’s a Franchise Disclosure Document?

If you have any questions, please contact our franchise sales and support team.