Elevation Burger
Elevation Burger offers a unique dining experience with hand-cut beef burgers and craft shakes. Known for its high-quality ingredients and innovative menu items, it operates in the quick-service restaurant sector.
About Elevation Burger
Elevation Burger is an American fast casual restaurant chain that specializes in organic hamburgers. The company originated in Falls Church, Virginia, within the Washington Metropolitan Area. They have 25 locations operating in the United States, Kuwait, and Qatar."Elevation Burger Sitemap". Retrieved 2025-08-14.
Read more on Wikipedia → · Facts from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)
Elevation Burger franchise FAQ
How much does it cost to open one — the total initial investment?
The total initial investment necessary to begin operation of one Elevation Burger Restaurant ranges from $517,300 to $1,991,900. This includes an initial fee in the amount of $57,500 to $60,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliates [p.1].
What is the initial franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee is $50,000 when you sign the Franchise Agreement [p.19]. This fee is fully earned by the franchisor upon payment and is not refundable under any circumstances [p.21].
What are the ongoing royalty and advertising fees?
The ongoing royalty fee is calculated as a percentage of Net Sales, specifically the Royalty Rate multiplied by the Net Sales of the Restaurant [p.95]. For advertising contributions, while not explicitly stated in these excerpts, it can be inferred that there are such fees since they mention the royalty and advertising fund contributions [p.46], but the exact percentage is not provided here.
How long is the initial franchise agreement, and can I renew it?
The term length of the initial franchise agreement isn't specified in these excerpts. Additionally, whether you can renew the agreement depends on various factors such as compliance with then-current training requirements [p.42] and the franchisor's discretion regarding offering new franchises or revising its franchise agreement [p.94].
Can I sell or transfer my franchise, and what does that require?
According to the FDD excerpts, you cannot freely transfer ownership of your franchise without the franchisor's approval. The franchisor can refuse a transfer except for good cause [p.252, p.5(g), p.289(g)]. Good cause includes but is not limited to unspecified factors that the franchisor deems appropriate [p.5(g), p.289(g)].
On what grounds can the franchisor terminate the agreement?
The franchisor can terminate the franchise agreement if there is a default by the franchisee except for a specific development schedule default. Additionally, the franchisor can terminate any related agreements in the event of termination of this Agreement or another between the parties [p.122]. Good cause for termination includes failure to comply with the franchise agreement and not curing such failure within 30 days after written notice [p.5, p.289].
What financial requirements — net worth and liquid capital — do I need to qualify?
This isn't specified in the excerpts.
Do I get an exclusive or protected territory?
You will not receive an exclusive territory. However, you will have a protected territory described in the attachment to your Franchise Agreement, which may vary based on factors such as population density and property type. This protected territory does not prevent competition from other franchisees or outlets owned by the company. [p.51, p.42, p.50]
What training and ongoing support does the franchisor provide?
The franchisor provides an executive training program and an initial training program for managers, including assistant managers and shift managers [p.43]. The initial training is supervised by Jennifer Bonilla, FAT's Director of Training [p.43], and includes topical training handbooks separate from operating manuals [p.43]. Additionally, the franchisor offers customer support services related to the Brand Technology System [p.255]. Ongoing training in the use and operation of the Brand Technology System is required for franchise personnel, with potential invoicing for support if issues could have been resolved through existing training [p.261].
How many franchised outlets are there, and how many have closed or been terminated?
As of December 31, 2024, there were no franchised Smokey Bones restaurants operating [p.11]. This isn't specified in the excerpts regarding any closures or terminations of franchises.
Does the franchisor share any financial performance or earnings information?
The franchisor does not make any financial performance representations other than the one specified in Item 19 of the FDD. However, if you are purchasing an existing outlet, they may provide actual records of that outlet's performance [p.71]. Additionally, the franchisor can include financial performance information concerning your restaurant in its franchise disclosure document and related media claims as required by law [p.111]. This isn't specified in the excerpts for new franchises without purchasing an existing one.
What am I restricted to selling, and where must I buy supplies?
You are required to sell only the menu items, products, and services that the franchisor has approved. You must purchase these from suppliers designated by the franchisor [p.3, p.104]. Additionally, you need prior written approval from the franchisor to sell alcoholic beverages or any merchandise [p.104].