The Habit Burger Grill

The Habit Burger Grill

Information based on 2024 FDD

Food & Beverage · Burgers & Fries

Investment min
$2M
Total: $2M–$3M
Avg gross revenue
$2M
Unit-level, 2024
Franchise fee
$35K
Per current disclosure
Royalty
5.5%
of gross revenue
Locations
59
Franchising since 2013

Description

What is The Habit Burger Grill?

The Habit Burger Grill, established in 1969, has earned its reputation as a premium fast-casual restaurant chain that elevates the classic American burger experience. What began as a small burger shack in Santa Barbara, California, has evolved into a beloved restaurant concept known for its signature char-grilled preparation method and commitment to quality ingredients.

At the heart of The Habit's menu is their famous Charburger, featuring fresh, never-frozen patties grilled over an open flame to create a distinctive smoky flavor and caramelized outer crust. The menu extends beyond burgers to include fresh salads, grilled sandwiches including their popular ahi tuna option, and unique sides like tempura green beans and sweet potato fries. Their house-made ranch dressing and variety of signature sauces have developed a loyal following among customers.

The Habit differentiates itself through its focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients and made-to-order preparation. Each restaurant maintains rigorous cleanliness standards and provides a modern, welcoming atmosphere that bridges the gap between fast food and casual dining. The brand is particularly noted for its consistent food quality, exceptional customer service, and value proposition compared to other premium burger chains.

For potential franchisees, The Habit offers a proven business model with strong brand recognition and a dedicated customer base. Their operational systems are well-developed, and they provide comprehensive training and ongoing support to franchise partners. The concept's broad menu appeal, focus on quality, and strong market position make it an attractive opportunity in the growing better-burger segment.
  • Over 50 years operational experience
  • Signature charbroiled burger preparation method
  • Premium better-burger market positioning
  • 366 units demonstrate proven scalability
  • Fresh ingredients and quality focus
  • Strong unit performance metrics

Location Analysis

Where The Habit Burger Grill wins

The Habit Burger Grill maintains a strategic presence across multiple states, with a strong franchise network demonstrating a concentrated West Coast foundation and successful East Coast expansion. The brand shows notable market penetration in California, with significant presence in Arizona, Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, indicating strong positioning in coastal regions. The franchise's consistently high customer ratings across thousands of reviews suggests reliable quality and operational excellence across markets.

The brand's geographic distribution reveals a deliberate expansion strategy, establishing strong regional clusters rather than scattered locations. This approach has proven successful, particularly in high-density urban markets with health-conscious, middle-income demographics. Key success factors include locations near business districts, universities, and retail centers with strong foot traffic.

Ideal locations feature high visibility, accessible parking, and proximity to complementary retailers. The most successful units typically occupy 2,000-3,000 square feet in areas with median household incomes above $65,000 and daytime population densities exceeding 25,000 within a 3-mile radius. Significant expansion opportunities exist in the Midwest and Southeast, where the brand's California-inspired concept can differentiate itself in the premium fast-casual burger segment. However, prospective franchisees should consider higher operational costs in coastal markets and increased competition in saturated urban areas.
Total US locations
366
Franchise units
59
Corporate locations
307
Avg. sq. footage
N/A

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Financial Analysis

The numbers behind The Habit Burger Grill

Avg gross revenue$1,919,000
Investment range$1,658,000 – $2,849,000
Investment midpoint$2,253,500
Brand fund2%
Royalty5.5%
Franchise fee$35,000
Min. net worth
Min. liquid capital
The Habit Burger Grill requires a substantial investment of $1,658,000 to $2,849,000, positioning it in the premium tier of burger franchise opportunities. This investment significantly exceeds the sub-sector average range of $985,322 to $2,087,083, reflecting the brand's upscale positioning in the competitive burger segment. The higher capital requirements typically include premium kitchen equipment for charbroiling operations, enhanced interior buildouts, and comprehensive technology systems.

The reported gross revenue of $1,919,000 substantially outperforms the sub-sector average of $1,259,214, indicating strong unit-level performance relative to investment requirements. This premium positioning targets the growing better-burger segment, capitalizing on consumer demand for higher-quality ingredients and preparation methods.

With 366 units and over 50 years of operational history since 1969, The Habit demonstrates significant system maturity and proven scalability. The brand's established presence provides operational stability and refined business processes, though the premium investment level requires substantial liquid capital and net worth qualifications.

Ideal investors should possess strong financial resources, restaurant industry experience, and access to prime real estate locations that support the brand's upscale positioning. The operational complexity of charbroiling operations and fresh ingredient preparation requires hands-on management or experienced restaurant operators. Multi-unit development opportunities exist for qualified investors with sufficient capital reserves. Prospective franchisees should thoroughly review the FDD and conduct comprehensive due diligence to understand territory rights, operational requirements, and ongoing support structures before committing to this premium investment opportunity.
Did you know? Did you know that opening your own The Habit Burger Grill franchise - known for their famous Charburgers and fresh California-style cuisine - requires a total investment between $1,658,000 and $2,849,000, which covers everything from the $35,000 franchise fee to equipment, build-out costs, and working capital needed to bring this beloved West Coast burger concept 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

$2M–$3M
Most common
$1,658,000
Minimum
$2,253,500
Midpoint
$2,849,000
Maximum

Per FDD Item 7, total initial investment ranges from $1,658,000 to $2,849,000. The midpoint $2,253,500 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

$3M$2M$2M$1M$500KN/A
$2M
$2M
$2M
2022
2023
2024
Avg
$2M
YOY change (2023 -> 2024)
-6%

According to Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document, The Habit Burger Grill has an average gross revenue of $2M. (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

+8% YoY
5004003002001000
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
366 units open as of 2024 FDD+28 in last 12 mo

2024 Franchise Disclosure

FDD documents

Below are items 2, 3, 4, 7, 11 and 19 for The Habit Burger Grill's 2024 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 2024 FDD

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

Buyer FAQs

Frequently asked questions

The initial investment for a The Habit Burger Grill franchise typically ranges between $1,658,000.00 and $2,849,000.00. 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 2024. 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.

The Habit Burger Grill
The Habit Burger Grill
$2M avg revenue · 59+ US franchises

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