Elevation Burger

Elevation Burger

Information based on 2023 FDD

Food & Beverage · Burgers & Fries

Investment min
$509K
Total: $509K–$2M
Avg gross revenue
$781K
Unit-level, 2023
Franchise fee
$50K
Per current disclosure
Royalty
6%
of gross revenue
Locations
36
Franchising since 2008

Description

What is Elevation Burger?

Elevation Burger stands out in the crowded burger market by offering a premium, health-conscious fast-casual dining experience. Founded in 2005, this innovative franchise has revolutionized the burger industry with its commitment to organic, grass-fed beef and high-quality ingredients that create a noticeably superior taste.

What sets Elevation Burger apart is their unwavering dedication to clean, sustainable food practices. Their signature fries are cooked exclusively in heart-healthy olive oil, setting them apart from traditional fast-food establishments. The menu caters to diverse dietary preferences, featuring outstanding vegetarian and vegan options, including their celebrated veggie burgers and dairy-free shakes.

The franchise's 'elevated' dining experience extends beyond just the food. Customers consistently praise the friendly, attentive service and clean, modern restaurant environments. Their customizable burger options allow guests to create their perfect meal, while signature items like the 'Elevation Burger' - featuring two organic beef patties - have developed a loyal following.

Elevation Burger has successfully carved out a niche in the better-burger category by appealing to health-conscious consumers who don't want to sacrifice taste for quality. Their commitment to organic, grass-fed beef and environmentally responsible practices resonates with modern consumers who care about the source and quality of their food. The brand continues to grow its presence across the United States, offering a unique combination of premium ingredients, exceptional taste, and conscious dining that attracts both customers and potential franchisees alike.
  • Organic burger pioneer since 2005
  • Eco-conscious brand differentiation advantage
  • Lower investment than sector average
  • Established sustainable dining positioning
  • Premium ingredient sourcing expertise
  • Health-focused consumer market alignment

Location Analysis

Where Elevation Burger wins

Founded in 2005, Elevation Burger operates numerous locations across multiple states, with its strongest presence concentrated in Maryland and Virginia. The franchise maintains a robust Mid-Atlantic presence, particularly around the DC metro area, while also establishing strategic locations along the Eastern Seaboard. The brand's average rating of 3.86 across thousands of customer reviews demonstrates consistent customer satisfaction, with several high-performing locations achieving exceptional ratings.

The geographic distribution shows concentrated success in the Mid-Atlantic region, with Maryland and Virginia representing the majority of all locations. Additional markets include notable presence in Pennsylvania, Maine, and New Jersey, while maintaining strategic locations in New York, Delaware, and Massachusetts. This expansion pattern suggests a strategic focus on urban and suburban markets with health-conscious consumers and higher disposable incomes.

Future growth opportunities exist in markets where the brand has established an initial presence through single locations, particularly in the Northeast region. Ideal expansion targets should focus on areas with median household incomes above $75,000, strong daytime population, and proximity to office complexes or retail centers. The success in core Mid-Atlantic markets provides a proven template for growth in similar demographic areas along the Eastern Seaboard.
Total US locations
36
Franchise units
36
Corporate locations
0
Avg. sq. footage
N/A

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Financial Analysis

The numbers behind Elevation Burger

Avg gross revenue$780,852
Investment range$508,600 – $1,694,900
Investment midpoint$1,101,750
Brand fund1.5%
Royalty6%
Franchise fee$50,000
Min. net worth
Min. liquid capital
Elevation Burger presents an accessible entry point into the competitive burger franchise sector with investment requirements of $508,600 - $1,694,900, positioning significantly below the sub-sector average range of $985,322 - $2,087,083. This lower barrier to entry makes it attractive for first-time franchisees or investors seeking mid-tier positioning in the fast-casual dining space.

The brand's eco-conscious positioning aligns with growing consumer demand for sustainable dining options, though the reported gross revenue of $780,852 trails sub-sector averages. This variance may reflect the system's specialized market focus and smaller operational footprint of 36 units compared to larger burger chains.

With 19 years of operational history since 2005, Elevation Burger demonstrates established brand development, though its limited unit count suggests a boutique franchise model rather than aggressive expansion. The organic burger niche requires operators comfortable with premium ingredient sourcing and eco-minded customer education.

Ideal investors should possess strong local market knowledge, commitment to brand values, and sufficient working capital beyond initial investment for sustainable operations. The specialized positioning may limit territory availability but could provide competitive differentiation in health-conscious markets.

Prospective franchisees must carefully evaluate local market demographics, competition from established burger chains, and operational complexity of organic food handling. The investment structure favors operators seeking brand differentiation over volume-driven models, requiring thorough FDD review and market analysis before commitment.
Did you know? Did you know that launching your own Elevation Burger franchise - the organic, grass-fed burger concept that's revolutionizing fast-casual dining with its eco-friendly approach and vertically-grilled patties - requires a total investment between $508,600 and $1,694,900, which includes the $50,000 franchise fee plus all the startup costs needed to bring this sustainably-minded burger experience to your community?

Financing partners

Vetted partners, tailored to franchisees

Your Franzy advisor can connect you with these partners later in the process — competitive rates, specialized in franchise financing.

FranFund

Lender

CRF USA

Nonprofit SBA lender; provides financing for franchise acquisitions, startups, and expansion.

Lender

First Bank of the Lake

Lender

Pension Pros

Lender

FDD Item 7

Initial investment range

$509K–$2M
Most common
$508,600
Minimum
$1,101,750
Midpoint
$1,694,900
Maximum

Per FDD Item 7, total initial investment ranges from $508,600 to $1,694,900. The midpoint $1,101,750 is what most franchisees report at signing — financing typically reduces cash-at-close by 80–90%. Knowing the investment range helps you plan confidently and ensure you're fully prepared to make the leap.

FDD Item 19

Average gross sales

$1M$800K$600K$400K$200KN/A
$827K
$781K
2021
2022
2023
Avg
$536K
YOY change (2022 -> 2023)
-6%

According to Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document, Elevation Burger has an average gross revenue of $781K. (Note: This information is based on the latest FDD in our records. Please review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and confirm this information directly with the brand. We make no claims of accuracy for the information presented.)

Growth over time

Franchise footprint

+9% YoY
60483624120
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
36 units open as of 2023 FDD+3 in last 12 mo

2023 Franchise Disclosure

FDD documents

Below are items 2, 3, 4, 7, 11 and 19 for Elevation Burger's 2023 FDD. The complete FDD is delivered to you directly by the franchisor, per the FTC Franchise Rule.

Estimated initial investment
FDD Item 7 · PDF
Financial performance representations
FDD Item 19 · PDF
Members-only items
Executive team
FDD Item 2 · PDF
Litigation
FDD Item 3 · PDF
Bankruptcy
FDD Item 4 · PDF
Franchisor assistance
FDD Item 11 · PDF
Members only
Unlock the 2023 FDD

Connect to download Items 2, 3, 4, and 11 — direct from the franchisor.

Buyer FAQs

Frequently asked questions

The initial investment for a Elevation Burger franchise typically ranges between $508,600.00 and $1,694,900.00. This includes the franchise fee, equipment, real estate, and other startup costs. To get a detailed breakdown and better understand the financial requirements, we recommend scheduling a call with the Franzy team. We'll walk you through the specifics and answer any questions you might have. For more detailed information, refer to the financial sections of the FDD.

Disclaimer. The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that is publicly available and that we have on record, which was issued in 2023. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. For the most current and detailed information, we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.

Elevation Burger
Elevation Burger
$781K avg revenue · 36+ US franchises

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