When it comes to fast-casual burger franchises in the USA, Shake Shack is one of the most recognized names. Known for its juicy burgers, hand-spun shakes, and crinkle-cut fries, it has become a global sensation. Naturally, many aspiring entrepreneurs ask: “Can you own a Shake Shack franchise?”

The short answer: No, Shake Shack does not offer franchises in the United States. But there’s more to the story, especially if you’re considering international markets or exploring similar investment opportunities. Let’s break it down.

Does Shake Shack Franchise in the U.S.?

Unlike McDonald’s, Burger King, or Five Guys, Shake Shack operates primarily as a corporate-owned chain in the U.S. That means if you’re based in the United States, you cannot own a Shake Shack franchise. All domestic locations are run by the company itself to maintain brand consistency and quality.

Why Doesn’t Shake Shack Franchise Domestically?

Shake Shack prioritizes brand control, food quality, and customer experience. By keeping U.S. stores corporate-owned, the company ensures:

• Consistent food standards across all locations

• Strong control over brand identity and store design

• Premium placement in high-traffic areas

This business model mirrors other successful restaurant chains that prefer growth through company ownership rather than franchising.

Can You Own a Shake Shack Franchise Internationally?

Here’s where it gets interesting: Shake Shack does allow franchise opportunities internationally. Instead of individual franchisees, the company partners with large, experienced operators who can manage multiple locations in foreign markets.

Shake Shack has expanded through licensing agreements in regions like:

• Middle East (Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar)

• Asia (Japan, South Korea, China, Singapore, Philippines)

• Europe (UK, Turkey)

So, if you’re based outside the U.S. and have strong operational and financial capabilities, you may qualify to become a Shake Shack international licensee

Shake Shack Franchise Requirements

While Shake Shack does not publicly list exact franchise costs on its website, industry insiders suggest that becoming an international Shake Shack partner requires:

• Significant financial resources (multi-million dollar investment)

• Proven track record in food service or retail operations

• Ability to operate multiple units across a territory

• Access to prime real estate in high-demand markets

This makes Shake Shack’s franchising model exclusive to large-scale investors rather than individual entrepreneurs.

How Much Does It Cost to Open a Shake Shack Franchise?

Since Shake Shack focuses on licensing agreements, exact franchise fees are not disclosed publicly. However, experts estimate:

• Initial investment: Likely between $3 million – $6 million per restaurant (depending on location and market)

• Franchise/Licensing fees: Typically 5–7% of sales in line with industry standards

• Net worth requirement: Likely $10 million+ for multi-unit agreements

These figures place Shake Shack among the most expensive fast-casual franchise opportunities compared to brands like Five Guys or Smashburger.

Is Shake Shack a Good Investment?

Despite the high barrier to entry, Shake Shack continues to perform strongly:

• Brand Power: Ranked among the top fast-casual burger chains worldwide.

• Customer Loyalty: Strong millennial and Gen Z following.

• Growth Potential: Rapid international expansion in high-growth markets.

However, since the U.S. does not offer franchising, investors looking for burger franchise opportunities may want to consider alternatives like Five Guys, The Habit Burger Grill, Smashburger, or Wayback Burgers.

Alternatives to Shake Shack Franchise

If your dream is to own a fast-casual burger franchise, here are some alternatives worth exploring:

• Five Guys Franchise – Strong brand recognition, lower cost than Shake Shack.

• Smashburger Franchise – Known for specialty burgers and flexible footprint.

• Wayback Burgers – Affordable entry with global expansion opportunities.

• The Habit Burger Grill (owned by Yum! Brands) – Backed by one of the biggest QSR companies in the world.

Each of these offers a franchise ownership model unlike Shake Shack in the U.S.

Final Verdict: Can You Own a Shake Shack Franchise?

• In the U.S.: No, all Shake Shack locations are corporate-owned.

• Internationally: Yes, but only through exclusive licensing agreements with highly qualified operators.

If you’re a U.S.-based investor, your best bet is to explore burger franchises that actually offer franchising opportunities. But if you’re a well-capitalized international operator, Shake Shack could be an exclusive (and lucrative) opportunity.